Here’s Why the Internet Is Comparing Cristiano Ronaldo to Homelander

ByHrvoje Milakovic Posted on
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Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s all-time greats, recently drew comparisons to Homelander, a fictional supervillain from the series The Boys. This came after Ronaldo’s performance during Portugal’s win against Slovenia in the Euro 2024 penalties. At 39, Ronaldo’s presence on the field was hard to miss, especially in a high-stakes match like this one.

In last night’s game, Ronaldo led Portugal’s attack but struggled to convert opportunities into goals, notably missing a penalty in the 105th minute which visibly upset him. His ongoing struggle was evident as he missed several free kicks. One particular miss, from a tough angle that would have been better suited for a cross to help Portugal score, instead flew high and wide, drawing jeers from the Slovenia fans. His record now stands at one goal from 60 attempts at major international tournaments.

Ronaldo’s insistence on taking every free kick he thinks he can make has earned him the Homelander tag. Homelander, known for his tyrannical rule over his team and unchecked power, reflects Ronaldo’s dominant presence in deciding free kick takers, overshadowing capable teammates like Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United.

Despite his struggles, Ronaldo did manage to score during the penalty shootout, helping Portugal advance to the next round. The real hero of the match was Portugal’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, who saved three penalties and played a crucial role in their victory. Ronaldo’s performance, while not up to his usual standards, still shows his influence on the field, much like Homelander’s on his team.

As Portugal prepares to face France on July 5, Ronaldo is expected to lead and take charge of all set pieces once again. We hope to see him finally finding the back of the net from one of those chances.

IGN highlighted this crossover between soccer and pop culture, emphasizing how Ronaldo’s commanding presence and the critical reactions online mirror those of a powerful but controversial fictional character. As we look ahead, it’s clear Ronaldo isn’t just playing football; he’s also setting the stage for how sports personalities are viewed in the broader pop culture landscape.

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