Ronaldo mocked for giving his team disastrous defensive tactics

Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has faced social media mockery after a defensive instruction resulted in a goal during his side's 2-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Abha Club on Wednesday, September 9.

The Portugal international altered his team's free-kick structure during the second half, instructing a teammate to leave a two-man wall on the edge of the penalty area.

Abha midfielder Nabil Fekir capitalised on the resulting gap in the 75th minute. The France international curled his free-kick through the vacated space and past Brazil international goalkeeper Bento to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The incident prompted reaction on social media platforms, with supporters questioning Ronaldo's decision-making and defensive leadership by sharing footage of the wall adjustment prior to Fekir's strike.

The defensive incident occurred during a fixture which saw Ronaldo record the 979th goal of his professional career.

The forward scored his third league goal of the 2026/27 campaign in the 22nd minute at Al Awwal Park, connecting with an Ângelo corner to head the ball in off the post.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan extended the Al-Nassr advantage in the 58th minute. The victory helped the club recover from a 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad on September 5 and continue their defence of the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League title.