Cristiano Ronaldo wins penalty, then asks referee to overturn decision. Wins hearts with 'selfless' act

When Cristiano Ronaldo is on the field, he spins magic with the ball. On Monday night, the ace footballer spun another kind of magic after he convinced the referee not to award him a penalty against Iranian team Persepolis. And, naturally, the Internet went into a tizzy, hailing him for his sportsmanship and humility.

The 38-year-old went down in the second minute after a challenge in his side's Asian Champions League 0-0 draw with the Iranian side. When Chinese referee Ma Ning awarded a penalty, Ronaldo argued the case for the decision to be overturned.



The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker appeared to have been brought down by Soroush Rafiei inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Ronaldo leapt to his feet and approached the referee, shaking his head and telling him there had been no foul. Ning then went to the monitor on the side of the pitch, and changed his call.

After consulting VAR, the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor and reversed his decision in the Group E clash in Riyadh.

Although the match ended with none scoring, the Portuguese won hearts with his act on the field, with the Internet hailing him as a "symbol of morality and fair play." Fans lauded his "selfless" act and said that this was not something that one gets to see every day in football! And some of course, compared him with his Argentine peer, Lionel Messi.





Al-Nassr had already qualified for the knockout stages before the match in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League side are top of Group E with 13 points after five matches and five points ahead of Persepolis in second.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Ronaldo visited the new CR7 Signature Museum in Riyadh. The museum features a wax figure wearing a full Al-Nassr kit, along with his most important trophies and personal memorabilia. Diehard fans can explore match-worn jerseys, awards, and iconic footwear of the football legend.