In a dramatic and heart-wrenching moment at Euro 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as his quest for a first goal in the tournament saw him denied from the penalty spot by Slovenia’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The Portugal captain’s miss came during extra time in the last-16 tie, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout that eventually saw Roberto Martinez’s side prevail and set up a quarter-final clash against France.

Portugal had a golden chance to take the lead in extra time, but Ronaldo’s penalty was agonizingly saved by the Atletico Madrid shot-stopper. Ronaldo’s powerful spot-kick effort was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Oblak, in what was a stunning save that denied the Portuguese star.

The frustration and disappointment were palpable as Ronaldo, unable to keep his emotions in check, burst into tears after the missed penalty. The scene was made even more poignant as his mother, Maria, was seen crying in the stands. Watching helplessly, she could not offer her superstar son any comfort or words of encouragement.

It was a night filled with high emotions, as Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez rallied his squad for a team talk, trying to lift their spirits after the missed opportunity. Ronaldo’s determination and desperation to score were evident throughout the match, making the save by Oblak all the more crushing.

Despite the emotional setback, Portugal managed to win the resulting shootout, keeping their Euro 2024 dreams alive. As they prepare for their quarter-final clash against France, Ronaldo and his team will need to regroup and focus on the challenges ahead.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tearful moment serves as a reminder of the passion and pressure that come with competing at the highest level of football. It also highlights the human side of even the most celebrated athletes, who, like everyone else, experience the highs and lows of their pursuits.