SUMMARY
- In a match against Barcelona on April 23, 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty kick.
- Ronaldo missed a penalty against Austria on June 18, 2016, during the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.
A prolific goal scorer throughout the game’s history, Ronaldo’s consistency in hitting the back of the goal is remarkable. Cristiano Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and now plays for Al-Nassr FC. Penalties account for a small percentage of those goals, and the former Manchester United star is among Europe’s most dependable penalty-takers.
But on occasion, Ronaldo has failed to make the crucial 12-yard kick, which constantly reminds supporters that the 31-year-old is still only human. Some of those missed opportunities came at critical junctures and have cost his team dearly.
So, without wasting any time let us take a look at the significant penalties that Cristiano Ronaldo has missed in his career:
1. Manchester United vs Barcelona, April 23, 2008
The Portuguese superstar’s attempt went disastrously since Victor Valdes of Barcelona was not even tested by his shot. The away supporters watched in disbelief as Ronaldo, who had already notched 38 goals in the season, missed the mark with a kick that went wide of Valdes’ left-hand post from 12 yards out.
2. Portugal vs Austria, June 18, 2016
In that match, Ronaldo—who was playing for his country for a record-breaking 128 times—saw his shot strike the left-hand post. It was his fourth missed penalty in his last five attempts for both his club and his country. Ronaldo missing a penalty was something of a shock to soccer fans worldwide.
Portugal’s lengthy quest for a major prize at the UEFA Euro 2016 came to an end as they defeated the hosts, France, in the final match of the tournament. However, after drawing their opening two games, it seemed unlikely at one point in the tournament that Portugal would even advance past the group stages.
3. Real Madrid vs Valencia, May 9, 2015
After 35 games, Real Madrid and Barcelona were separated by just two points, favoring the Catalan giants in the 2014–15 La Liga title race. This was just another close fight between the two teams. In a crunch tie, Real Madrid took on Valencia CF in the La Liga.
9th May 2015.
Another penalty miss – and this time there is silverware on the line.
Ronaldo Farmers Club hit a tame penalty and it’s saved, and miskicked the rebound, in a 2-2 draw vs Valencia.
Had Real Madrid won this game, they would’ve been La Liga Champions. pic.twitter.com/8SUEz7qFy1
— M8SSI 🇦🇷 (@yangmetalrat) January 13, 2019
Nevertheless, the Real Madrid match did not proceed as planned, as the visitors Valencia CF took a 2-0 lead in the first twenty-six minutes of play. Just before halftime, Gareth Bale was taken down inside the box, giving Real Madrid, who had already hit the woodwork three times in the first half, a lifeline. Cristiano Ronaldo, though, missed the penalty, shocking the Madrid supporters.
4. Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich, April 25, 2012
Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho took on Bayern Munich under Jupp Heynckes in a 2011–12 UEFA Champions League semifinal match. After both legs, the scoreboard read 2-1, meaning penalties were certain. David Alaba made the first kick conversion for Bayern, while Ronaldo was tasked with taking the first kick for Real Madrid in the shootout.
The four-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had already scored twice in regulation time, was denied a penalty kick as Manuel Neuer parried his effort. The supporters at Santiago Bernabeu had a night to forget as the German team eliminated the Los Blancos, with Kaka and Sergio Ramos also failing to convert their penalties.