CRISTIANO RONALDO almost knocked out a cameraman with a wayward free kick during Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-Raed.

The global superstar was once renowned for his stunning dead ball strikes, but this one ended up hitting a different target rather than the back of the net.

Cristiano Ronaldo accidentally struck a cameraman with his free kick during Al-Nassr’s match with Al-Raed Credit: Getty

Ronaldo stepped up to take the free kick from close range Credit: Twitter

His effort flew past the post at an impressive pace Credit: Twitter

The ball struck a cameraman directly behind the goal Credit: Twitter

The cameraman lost his footing after being hit in the headCredit: Twitter

Ronaldo lined up to take the free kick from just outside the area and had a six-man wall to try and lift it over.

He used all his venom in an attempt to beat Al-Raed keeper Andre Moreira, but saw his shot blaze past the post.

Unfortunately for the cameraman behind the goal, the ball continued at pace and appeared to smash him directly in the face.

Despite a little wobble he was able to maintain his balance and fortunately appeared fine to carry on with his job.

Fans were quick to react to the near disastrous miss and some joked that Ronaldo did it on purpose.

They took to social media to claim that the former Real Madrid man was aiming for the camera operator because he was a Lionel Messi fan.

One said: “Plot twist: The cameraman shouted Messi is the GOAT”

Another added: “The cameraman supports Messi, he deserves what he got.”

Whilst a third chimed in saying: “That guy must be a Messi fan.”

Despite Ronaldo’s miss it was still a good day at the office for the Al-Nassr captain and his team-mates.

They went on to pick up all three points in a 3-1 victory with Ronaldo finding himself on the score sheet alongside Sadio Mane and Talisca.

Both Ronaldo and Sadio Mane bagged a goal in their 3-1 win Credit: Getty