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Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted delivering a motivational speech to himself as he sought to capture another headline-grabbing moment for Al-Nassr - but ultimately fell short as Sadio Mane's trophy drought in Saudi Arabia continued.
Liverpool legend Mane and Manchester United icon Ronaldo are yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi Pro League club. Video footage circulated on social media showing Ronaldo, 40, talking to himself before stepping up to take a free-kick in the 96th minute of Al-Nassr's King's Cup loss to Al-Ittihad on Tuesday.
His attempt turned out to be a major letdown as the Portuguese icon blasted his strike directly into the wall.
It remained unclear what words Ronaldo was uttering to himself, but the self-encouragement lasted around 10 seconds as he displayed an upbeat attitude, only for the opportunity to slip away.
Ronaldo and his teammates were eventually knocked out of the tournament by their 10-man rivals.
Karim Benzema, Ronaldo's former Real Madrid colleague, netted the opener before Angelo Gabriel drew level.
Houssem Aouar would emerge as the match winner as he put Al-Ittihad 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time - an advantage the team would maintain.
Ronaldo had a golden opportunity to equalize shortly afterwards, but he attempted a chip, and his weak effort was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
Manager Jorge Jesus said: "We won two matches and lost one against Al Ittihad. It was our first defeat this season, and we're not used to that. We did everything we could to avoid losing, but we didn't succeed."
It was ultimately a night to forget for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as his stint in Saudi Arabia continues to be marred by the fact that he's not claimed a single trophy.
Ronaldo moved to the Middle East in 2023 after his controversial exit from Old Trafford, penning a hugely lucrative deal in the process.
His only honor with Al-Nassr is when the team won the Arab Champions Cup in 2023, although that is considered a friendly competition. Mane was also part of the team that won that trophy.
Ronaldo also went without silverware in Manchester, meaning he's not claimed a major trophy at club level for five years.
Al-Nassr has enjoyed a positive start in this year's Saudi Pro League and sits top after six matches, having won all of its games, giving the team a three-point buffer at the top.
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