Heartbreak for Cristiano Ronaldo as penalty miss eliminates Al Nassr from King’s Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a late penalty as Al-Nassr’s Saudi King’s Cup journey ended in heartbreak after a 1-0 loss to Al-Taawoun in the Round of 16. 

Al-Nassr entered the match with high hopes, but after conceding early and struggling to find an equaliser, they were presented with a golden opportunity in the 96th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

Ronaldo stepped up to take it, with a chance to equalize and keep Al-Nassr’s trophy dreams alive

The 39-year-old had converted all 18 of his previous penalties for Al Nassr but this time shot over the bar and drew shock from the home crowd at Al-Awwal Park in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

The team’s season will now continue without a King’s Cup trophy.

The Portugal captain was emotional after the game, with the pressure and expectations on him as a player and leader clearly weighing heavily.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was snubbed from the Ballon d’Or final 30, has scored 73 goals in his 82 appearances for Al Nassr since joining the club in December 2022.

However, he continues to wait for his first major trophy with the Saudi club.