Why fans think Cristiano Ronaldo is the real-life Homelander

Cristiano Ronaldo's performance in Portugal's recent penalties victory over Slovenia at Euro 2024 has garnered comparisons to Homelander from The Boys. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, struggled throughout the match, particularly with free kicks, one of which he missed in the 105th minute. Despite his insistence on taking all free kicks, his success rate has been dismal, having only scored one out of 60 attempts in major international tournaments. This persistence has led the internet to draw parallels between him and Homelander, the domineering and feared character from the series, who also does as he pleases. Portugal ultimately advanced, thanks in part to goalkeeper Diogo Costa's impressive penalty saves, and as they face France on July 5th, Ronaldo is expected to retain his assertive role.

Cristiano Ronaldo is compared to Homelander because of his dominant and unchallenged role in taking free kicks for Portugal, despite repeated failures, similar to how Homelander operates with unchecked power and control over his team in The Boys.

The Boys is a popular Amazon Prime series that offers a dark, satirical look at superhero culture. Homelander, one of the main antagonists, is known for his authoritarian leadership and moral ambiguity, traits that have humorously been attributed to Ronaldo's singular control over Portugal's free kicks.