By Samuel Timothy
All Eyes was on the Riyadh Derby on Friday, November 1st, as Al-Nassr’s star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, found himself on the receiving end of a familiar tactic from rival Al-Hilal fans.
Known for their intense enthusiasm and desire to provoke opposition players, Al-Hilal supporters chanted the name of Ronaldo’s long-time rival, Lionel Messi, in an attempt to the Portuguese superstar feel unsettled while the game was on. Despite the charged atmosphere, Ronaldo maintained his composure, handling the situation with grace and maturity.
Since Ronaldo’s high-profile transfer to the Saudi Pro League, “Messi” chants have become a recurring taunt from opposing fans, particularly from Al-Hilal supporters, who see the mention of Messi’s name as a way to disrupt his focus. This recent attempt by Al-Hilal fans did not go unnoticed, with chants echoing throughout the stadium as they sought to sway Ronaldo’s performance.
Ronaldo Calm Reaction to Provocative Taunts
Historically, Ronaldo has often been a target for fans hoping to gain a psychological edge over the star by invoking the name of his famed competitor, Messi. During the Riyadh Derby, Al-Hilal fans resumed this tactic, chanting “Messi” at key moments in the game. In past instances, Ronaldo has shown visible frustration, occasionally letting such taunts affect his demeanor on the field. In one notable instance, his reaction to similar provocations even led to disciplinary consequences.
Yet this time, instead of reacting with irritation, the 39-year-old forward exhibited a marked change in approach. Rather than engaging with the crowd’s antagonism, Ronaldo chose to smile and acknowledge the fans with a thumbs-up gesture, signifying a mature and poised response. This reaction stood in stark contrast to earlier moments in his career, where similar provocations might have led to heated exchanges or visible frustration.
Intensity in the Derby and Ronaldo’s New Approach
The Riyadh Derby between Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal has always been a fixture filled with intensity and high stakes, with fans and players alike invested in securing victory for their teams. As one of the Saudi Pro League’s most anticipated matches, the atmosphere is often electrifying, and fan-driven tactics such as chanting are common. During this latest encounter, Ronaldo seemed unfazed by the persistent chants, a stark contrast to previous reactions that were less contained.
In previous seasons, Ronaldo’s fiery passion sometimes led to moments of contention when faced with provocative gestures from rival fans. According to a report, one past reaction involved a controversial hand gesture that resulted in a suspension for the star forward. Since then, however, Ronaldo appears to have adopted a different approach, choosing to brush off the taunts with a composed response rather than letting them impact his performance.
Friday’s game ultimately ended in a draw, with Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal sharing the points. Although Ronaldo did not score, he played a crucial role in the match’s progression. Anderson Talisca, Ronaldo’s teammate, took the lead early in the game, scoring Al-Nassr’s first goal. Al-Hilal, however, responded with resilience, securing an equalizer through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who has been a key addition to the team. According to beIN Sports, the clash was a balanced one, with both sides showcasing impressive skills on the pitch, ending in a well-contested 1-1 draw.
The maturity Ronaldo demonstrated in his response to the chants has not only garnered respect from Al-Nassr fans but also seems to reflect a new phase in his career. While chants of “Messi” continue to echo in matches across the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s approach appears to be one of focusing on the game rather than letting rival fans affect his temperament.
