The Cristiano Ronaldo and Homelander memes have gone viral on Twitter/X
All media platforms are currently buzzing with Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance clips from Portugal vs Slovenia match as fans are comparing the 39-year-old player to Homelander! Don’t know why? Let’s dive in the details together!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s penalties victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024 last night showcased a rare and magical blending of soccer culture and pop culture, with the internet at the heart of it.
Why is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo being compared to Homelander and memes meaning explained
The 39-year-old Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest footballers ever, led the line for Portugal during their crucial round of 16 knockout match against Slovenia. As is often the case, it was very much the Ronaldo show.
Why Ronaldo is Being Compare to Homelander?
Despite being a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo has yet to score in the tournament, and last night’s performance showed why!
For the unversed, during Portugal vs Slovenia match, netizens favorite missed several chances, including a penalty in the 105th minute that left him in tears.
His repeated failed attempts at scoring from free kicks prompted internet comparisons to the supervillain Homelander from The Boys.
Cristiano Ronaldo being the Homelander of football
A thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/VOjFwCr7Qp
— OB (@GhostRMCF) July 2, 2024
Ronaldo’s Performance in Portugal vs Slovenia Match
Ronaldo took three free kicks during the match, failing to score any. One in particular, from a tough angle that seemed better suited for a cross, sailed high and wide, drawing mocking jeers from Slovenia fans.
To date, Ronaldo has taken 60 free kicks in major international tournaments and scored only once. His Insistence on taking every free kick within shooting distance sparked the Homelander comparisons.
Homelander x Cristiano Ronaldo! pic.twitter.com/4rPhleF1io
— Harps (@H4RRP) November 13, 2022
For the unfamiliar, Homelander is a demented despot who rules The Seven with an iron fist, using his overpowering abilities to do whatever he wants without opposition.
Similarly, Ronaldo’s teammates, including skilled free-kick takers like Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, are not even considered when a free kick is awarded.
Portugal eventually squeezed through to the next round by defeating Slovenia on penalties, with Ronaldo somewhat redeeming himself by scoring in the shootout.
However, it was the heroics of Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who remarkably saved three penalties, that truly saved the day!
As Portugal prepares to face France in the quarter-finals on July 5, Ronaldo will likely be in Homelander mode once again, taking all the free kicks and penalties without opposition from his teammates
ALSO READ: ‘Misstiano Penaldo’ meaning explained as BBC mocks Cristiano Ronaldo with meme after penalty miss