Cristiano Ronaldo Didn't Score World Cup "Hair Goal"

Following Portugal’s 2-0 victory over Uruguay at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the sports world and social media exploded with the discussion of Cristiano Ronaldo‘s “hair goal.” The potential goal was based on the belief that the soccer star’s head made contact with a cross from teammate Bruno Fernandes during the 9th minute of the second half. It was also reported that the Portuguese team would be presenting evidence to FIFA proving Ronaldo made contact with the ball and scored the goal.

But now, adidas, the official sponsor of the tournament that provides the match ball used, has noted that its built-in sensors did not register the supposed “hair goal.” The sportswear brand’s high-precision 500Hz IMU sensor and “Connected Ball Technology” found that no external forces were measured to demonstrate that Ronaldo made contact with the ball.

Take a look at a breakdown of the supposed “hair goal” below.

Adidas have confirmed no contact was made between the World Cup matchball and Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to a 500Hz IMU sensor and Connected Ball Technology housed in Adidas’s Al Rihla used in the tournament… ?❌ pic.twitter.com/v9MvtFXnMT
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 29, 2022