Live, Laugh, Ronaldo? Walid Al-Faraj’s On-Air Correction Sparks Soccer Night in Jeddah
13 January 2026
On-air correction
Saudi sports broadcaster Walid Al-Faraj issued a live apology for a mistaken claim about Cristiano Ronaldo, correcting that the star did not travel to attend the Spanish Super Cup final.
Public reaction
Analyst Hani Al-Dawood quipped, "Say sorry, O Abu Badr," and Al-Faraj replied with a straightforward "Sorry."
Context and clarification
The show had previously suggested Ronaldo would attend the final in Jeddah, scheduled around January 11, conflicting with matches for Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr on January 12; later clarification showed the initial claim was inaccurate.
Match results
Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, while Al-Hilal defeated Al-Nassr 2-1 in the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
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Takeaway
The night proved that even big names and bigger egos can get a reality check on live television – and the scoreboard still tells the real story.
Punchline 1: Ronaldo’s travel plans are so famous they have their own highlighted reel—still buffering in most airports.
Punchline 2: If excuses traveled as fast as Ronaldo’s plane, we’d all be champions of the delay medal club.
