Cristiano Ronaldo said the wrong country during his very first Al Nassr first press conference on Tuesday.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was officially unveiled as an Al Nassr player after jetting out to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and undergoing a medical.
Prior to being presented to 25,000 fans at Mrsool Park, Ronaldo took part in a media conference and discussed why he decided to make the move to the Middle East.
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He emphasised his desire for a new challenge after conquering European football and claimed he gave Nassr his word despite offers from clubs around Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States.
But Ronaldo made a huge blunder in front of journalists and the hundreds of thousands watching all around the world when he called Saudi Arabia 'South Africa'.
Ronaldo said: "For me it's not the end of my career to come into South Africa, this is what I want to change - and to be honest I don't really worry about what the people say."
The two nations might have letters in similar positions but they are not even in the same continent. Of course, Ronaldo's gaffe became a huge talking point amongst fans on social media.
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One user wrote: "WAIT….Does Cristiano Ronaldo think Saudi Arabia is in South Africa?"
Another commented: "From being applauded after every answer even after calling Saudi Arabia South Africa to so-called journalists 'siuuuuuuuing' at the end, that Cristiano Ronaldo presser was embarrassing."
A third said: “"For me it’s not the end of my career to come to South Africa” Cristiano Ronaldo off to a great start with the Al Nassr press conference…"
A fourth added: "Turned on the TV and momentarily saw the Cristiano Ronaldo press conference, welcoming him to Al-Nassr. Pretty sure in those literal 5 seconds, he said he was in ‘South Africa’. It’s going well then."
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A fifth weighed in: "Did Cristiano Ronaldo just call Saudi Arabia..South Africa..they bout to come after him."
Ronaldo also looked a little embarrassed at the end of the press conference when journalists did his 'SIUU' cry, with many branding the scenes "pure cringe".
Ronaldo is in line to earn a whopping £170 million per season with Al Nassr and his contract includes being an ambassador for Saudi Arabia's 2030 World Cup bid.
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Explaining his decision, the 37-year-old said: "I’m so proud to make this decision in my life and football. For me it’s a new challenge I’m glad Al-Nassr gave me this new opportunity.
"The welcome yesterday was amazing for me and my family and I’m already proud. When I take my decisions, my family always support me, especially my kids.
"I want to change the mentality of the new generation. I am so proud at making this big decision in my life and my career. My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs."
Ronaldo met his new teammates in the changing room after the presser and gave a speech telling them he was "here to win".
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Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr
Josh Lawless