Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after missing a crucial penalty for Portugal at Euro 2024.
The team was awarded a penalty towards the end of the first half of extra time against Slovenia when Diogo Jota was fouled. Ronaldo took the shot but was thwarted by Jan Oblak’s save.
Following the miss, an emotional Ronaldo was seen crying, with images also showing his mother in tears in the stands. Several of Ronaldo’s teammates, including former Manchester United colleague Diogo Dalot, rallied around the striker to offer words of encouragement as they prepared for the second period of extra time.
READ MORE: Geoff Hurst hails Jude Bellingham’s wonder goal better than ’66 World Cup win
READ MORE: Gary Neville slams Southgate’s selection in furious rant and claims one choice is ‘illegal’
Ronaldo, now 39, had a difficult evening on Monday, with several off-target free-kicks and another easily saved by Oblak.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Al-Nassr striker failed to score during the group stages, marking the first time this has occurred in his career at a major international tournament, reports the Mirror.
Do you think Ronaldo should be so hard on himself? Let us know in the comments section below
Fans were quick to show their support for the visibly upset Ronaldo. One fan commented: “Ronaldo crying is so sad to see, while another supporter wrote: “Ronaldo in tears, I kinda feel sorry for him. He’s clearly under a lot of pressure.”
Another supporter noted: “There is nothing worse for a football fan than seeing your favourite player miss a penalty on a big stage. Ronaldo is crying, understandably.”
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer. Since making his debut in 2003 at the age of 18, he has made over 200 appearances and scored 130 goals.
He guided the nation to one of their most triumphant days as they clinched Euro 2016. That day also saw him in tears following a whirlwind of emotions.
Ronaldo was carried off the pitch with an injury, only to return and direct his teammates. Eder’s goal against France secured Ronaldo’s first-ever international title.