Alongside Messi, the Best Active Soccer Star Faces Embarrassment in This World Cup
2019 No-Show Incident Turns Soccer Legend from 'Uri Hyung' to 'Nalkangdu'
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The football legend who went from the affectionate nickname 'Uri Hyung' (Our Brother) to the embarrassing nickname 'Nalkangdu.' Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-renowned football star from Portugal, has fallen to the status of a 'national disliked character' in Korea.
During the 2022 Qatar World Cup match between Korea and Portugal, Korean fans provoked Ronaldo by chanting the name of Argentina's football legend Lionel Messi every time Ronaldo touched the ball. Messi and Ronaldo are considered the greatest active football stars and legends.
Portugal has a significant connection with Korea in the World Cup. Korea's first-ever advancement to the Round of 16 in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup is also related to Portugal. Against Portugal's dazzling lineup including Luis Figo, Korea countered with solid teamwork and strong pressing to secure a 1-0 victory.
When players of the 2002 Korean national football team recall their most memorable matches, the Portugal match is always mentioned. Korea, with Park Ji-sung's winning goal, succeeded in advancing to the Round of 16, a dream come true.
Many people are unsure whether Ronaldo, who has long represented Portugal as a football player, actually participated in the 2002 World Cup. Ronaldo was called up to the youth national team in 2001 and represented his country as a player. However, his first appearance for the senior national team was in August 2003, when he debuted at the age of 18.
This means Ronaldo did not play in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup when Korea defeated Portugal 1-0. Born in February 1985, Ronaldo is now 37 years old. He has been recognized as FIFA's top player since the mid-2000s and has excelled at top clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid.
When Park Ji-sung played for Manchester United, Ronaldo also roamed the global stage. Ronaldo, the world's best striker during Park's prime, was very popular in Korea. This is why he was affectionately called 'Uri Hyung' (Our Brother).
However, in 2019, while playing for Juventus, Ronaldo visited Korea to play against the K League All-Stars but sparked criticism due to a no-show controversy. Despite harsh weather, fans filled Seoul World Cup Stadium to see Ronaldo, Park Ji-sung's teammate.
Ronaldo's participation was promised. Although it was difficult for him to play the full match, domestic fans expected him to step onto the field. Contrary to these expectations, Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout both halves. Korean fans felt disrespected by Ronaldo and expressed national outrage.
Although Ronaldo faced what was effectively his last World Cup as a football player, the situation was not favorable. Portugal suffered embarrassment by being defeated by Korea again in 2022, just as in 2002. Interestingly, Ronaldo's 'performance' was not insignificant when Korea achieved dramatic victories against Portugal. Ronaldo was a player who helped Korea rather than Portugal.
When Ronaldo played, Korea's matches went well, but when he was substituted out, the games became difficult. Domestic fans wanted Ronaldo to stay on the field not because they liked him, but because his poor performance helped Korea.
On the 7th, Portugal joined the quarterfinals with a 6-1 victory over Switzerland in the Round of 16. Ronaldo appeared as a substitute but did not score. It is known that there is strong negative opinion within Portugal regarding Ronaldo's starting lineup. The Qatar World Cup is expected to be remembered as a tournament that left many thoughts for Ronaldo, the legendary footballer who has left world records.
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