Cristiano Ronaldo is slammed by fans for 'pathetic' and 'embarrassing' free-kick in Portugal's Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovenia - as fans call on him to 'retire' after shocking stat emerges

Fans mocked Cristiano Ronaldo's ludicrous free-kick attempt after the Portugal star attempted a shot from an outrageous angle against Slovenia.

The 39-year-old impressed in the opening exchanges of the Euro 2024 last-16 clash in Frankfurt as he desperately sought to open his tournament goals tally.

Ronaldo is competing in his sixth - and likely final European Championship - and is determined to win the title for a second time with Portugal.

However, his bid to find the back of the net in Germany is yet to deliver a goal and fans were left aghast when Ronaldo tried to score from an almost impossible angle against Slovenia.

A free-kick awarded to Portugal deep in Slovenia's half down near the corner flag looked set to be chipped into the box by Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.

But, captain Ronaldo used his armband authority to overrule the decision and took the ball from himself as he attempted to test Jan Oblak from range.

The effort from an incredibly acute angle never favoured a shot and Ronaldo's optimistic effort predictably ended up sailing well wide and out for a goal-kick.

He had struck a better effort to within inches of the crossbar moments earlier as Portugal pressed to force an opening goal.

Fans on social media were quick to criticize Ronaldo's torrid free-kick, with one post on X stating: 'What on earth is Ronaldo doing shooting from there? Pathetic that.'

Another comment similarly added: 'This is embarrassing from Ronaldo' as the veteran striker ruefully smiled after his bizarre attempt.

A third critic posting online told Ronaldo to 'retire' after it was revealed the five-time Champions League winner has only scored one in his last 58 free-kicks.

Should Ronaldo fail to score against Slovenia then it would be the seventh consecutive game at a major tournament with Portugal where he has failed to find the back of the net.

Another damning post mocking the Al-Nassr star quipped: 'Ronaldo is getting that desperate for a goal he's hitting freekicks from anywhere'.