Cristiano Ronaldo Gifts His Medal to Young Al Hilal Fan After Losing Riyadh Season Cup Final: Video

• Cristiano Ronaldo played his first game in 2024 but ended up losing
• He could possibly anger the fans of Al-Nassr with his latest gesture after the game
• The Portuguese phenom opted to gift his medal to a supporter of a rival club

Cristiano Ronaldo played his first match of the year, but it ended in disappointment as Al-Nassr fell to a 2-0 defeat against local rivals Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup final on Thursday, February 8.

Ronaldo, who turned 39 during the week, only returned to the Al-Nassr side after recovering from an injury that forced him out in the highly-anticipated 'Last Dance' tie with Lionel Messi when the Knights of Najd met Inter Miami earlier.

Ronaldo's Al Nassr lose Riyadh Season Cup

Despite Ronaldo's presence for the entire match, his usual brilliance was absent as Al-Nassr appeared lacklustre, particularly in the first half, against their opponents, per ESPN.

Messi: Inter Miami star scores 1st goal of 2024 from the spot against Saudi League giants Al Hilal

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According to Fan Nation, goals from Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Saudi Arabian star Salem Al Dawsari sealed victory for Al-Hilal after just 30 minutes, avenging their loss to Al-Nassr in the Arab Cup final.

Ronaldo gifts medal to young fan

Following the defeat, CR7, visibly frustrated, made a gesture that drew attention.

Upon receiving his runner-up medal, he reportedly gifted it to a young Al-Hilal fan.

Here is the video:

This action could be interpreted in various ways, considering the intense rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr fans.

Why did Ronaldo gift his medal to Al Hilal fan?

Some might view the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus ace's gesture as a sign of sportsmanship or an attempt to bring joy to a young fan despite the disappointment of defeat.

However, others may see it as a provocative move, potentially aggravating Al-Nassr supporters and providing fodder for banter from their rivals.

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Another perspective suggests Ronaldo's gesture may stem from his disappointment in finishing second and not achieving victory for his team.

Nevertheless, the act could also be seen as a generous gesture to make a young fan's day.

Al Hilal fans mock Ronaldo with 'Messi' chants

During the match, Sports Brief observed Al Hilal fans taking a jab at Cristiano Ronaldo, mocking him for a missed opportunity.

A video circulating on social media captured supporters of the Blue Waves chanting 'Messi,' clearly teasing the Portuguese star.

In response, Ronaldo acknowledged the crowd with a thumbs-up gesture followed by a 'calm down' motion.