Ian Wright labelled Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick ability as a "myth" during Portugal's defeat against Belgium on Sunday.
The 36-year-old Portugal captain has a relatively poor record from dead-ball situations at major tournaments. Since his European Championship debut in 2004, Ronaldo has failed to convert a single free-kick in 28 attempts.
In fact, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has netted just one goal - a terrific effort to complete his hat-trick against Spain - from 51 direct free-kicks at World Cups and Euros.
Advert
He has, of course, netted a number of memorable free-kick goals down the years, including strikes against Portsmouth, Arsenal and Celta Vigo, to name just a few.
But despite scoring 56 goals from set-pieces in his career, ITV pundit Ian Wright is far from convinced.
Advert
After Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a comfortable save from a Ronaldo effort in the first half, the former Arsenal striker gave a damning assessment of his record.
"How many of those free-kicks does Ronaldo actually score?" Wright said.
"I read something that says he's got one in 50. It's kind of like a myth, that Ronaldo is on it, watch out everyone. Nothing happens."
Fellow pundit Patrick Vieira went on to praise Courtois' save from Ronaldo's free-kick but Wright wasn't having any of it.
Advert
"You expect him [Courtois] to make that kind of save," said the former France international. "If he concedes a goal in this way, he'd be disappointed with himself. But it was a good save by Courtois."
Wright then responded: "What, this free-kick? Courtois has enough time to see it. Plus it's Ronaldo he doesn't score many free-kicks."
Plenty on social media reacted to Ronaldo's questionable free-kick record both during and after Portugal's Euro 2020 exit.
Thoughts on Ronaldo's free-kick record? Should he be ahead of Bruno Fernandes in the Portugal pecking order?
Advert
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Belgium, Football, Euro 2020, Ian Wright, UEFA, Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo
