Published 18 Nov 2024 at 14:21 Updated at 15:32
The pictures of Piotr Zielinski and Cristiano Ronaldo arouse anger.
But the Polish captain refuses to apologise.
– It’s sad, says former national team player Jacek Bak.
Portugal and Poland met in the Nations League.
Photo: IMAGO/LUKASZ GROCHALA/CYFRASPORT
Piotr Zielinski is the team captain of Poland.
Photo: PIOTR NOWAK / EPA PAP
Poland were overrun by Portugal away from home and can at best finish third in their Nations League group.
At the same time, team captain Piotr Zielinski has become the talk of the town.
Shortly after the 1-5 loss, a clip of the Pole spread on social media. In the clip, Zielinski and teammate Nicola Zalewski can be seen waiting for Cristiano Ronaldo to take selfies with the superstar.
Something that made several people react strongly.
One of them: former national team player Jacek Bak.
– It was different before. We’re losing 5-1 and I have to ask Ronaldo for a picture? The guy who slaughtered us just before? Do we really have no honor in our bodies?, he says.
And continues:
– Today, social media is most important and the first to post a picture with Ronaldo wins? It shouldn’t be like that.
Piotr Zielinski between Cristiano Ronaldo.
Zielinski: “Why is it inappropriate?”
Bak, who made close to 100 caps for Poland between 1993 and 2008, is of the opinion that the behavior should have consequences.
– It may sound harsh, but the national team captain should react. The only thing missing was that he also took a picture with Ronaldo, or maybe exchange jackets with Roberto Martinez (Portugal’s national team captain). I guess I’m not cut out for these days.
– It is sad. Today, unfortunately, it looks like this.
Piotr Zielinski has not posted a selfie with Ronaldo on Instagram. However, a couple of pictures of both of them from the field.
He doesn’t understand the criticism. And does not apologize for his actions.
– I am not interested in what happens on social media. For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players ever. I felt like taking a picture and I did. That’s it.
– Why is it inappropriate?
Selfies, Scandal & Soccer: The Zielinski-Ronaldo Affair
Well, ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn! The world of football has served us a plot twist more shocking than seeing Cristiano Ronaldo enjoy a quiet evening in. The stage is set: Poland vs. Portugal, the Nations League, and a 5-1 thrashing that sent shockwaves through the Polish squad. But what truly set off the fireworks was not just the scoreline but a selfie moment featuring none other than Polish captain Piotr Zielinski and the man himself, Cristiano Ronaldo.
But hold your horses; Zielinski isn’t backing down. He’s in the social media era, where one selfie can make you the undisputed king of Instagram, and he’s unabashedly stood his ground. “I’m not interested in what happens on social media,” he quipped. “For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players ever. I felt like taking a picture and I did.” And bless his heart, why not? Isn’t that what football is about? Living in the moment, capturing memories, even if that moment involves a smackdown of epic proportions.
A Generational Gap?
Now, what’s interesting is this apparent generational divide in sportsmanship. Bak’s lament about players prioritizing selfies over honors feels like something straight out of a nostalgia-laden movie. “Back in my day,” he says, sounding increasingly like that grumpy uncle at Christmas, “we wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing!” Ah yes, the grand old days when celebrities were untouchable and swooning fans had to send handwritten letters to receive a photograph back. How quaint!
But let’s not kid ourselves: social media isn’t just a phase; it’s the new arena where fame and interaction play out. We’ve all seen it. Today’s athletes are as much influencers as they are players, posting everything from their workouts to what they had for breakfast. A selfie with Ronaldo, even post-defeat, could mean a tidal wave of clicks and likes. It’s practically an Olympic sport!
Is There Honor in Selfies?
So where does that leave honor, then? Is it truly dishonorable to ask for a selfie after being trounced? Or does it signify a new dawn where sportsmanship evolves alongside social dynamics? Maybe it’s all about perception. One could argue that a picture with a legend hardly tarnishes your pride; it could, in fact, be a mark of respect for the game. But Bak isn’t buying it. He sees it as a softening of competitive spirit, akin to trading your gladiator’s sword for a selfie stick.
In Zielinski’s defense, does he not have the right to admire one of the sport’s greats? It’s like scolding someone for asking Adele for a selfie after she’s belted out an emotional ballad that left them in tears. To each their own, but who doesn’t want a little personal memento?
The Bottom Line
Football, my friends, is an emotional rollercoaster—thrills, spills, and yes, the occasional selfie. The game is still the game, whether it’s a glorious win or a crushing loss. So, let’s embrace the selfies, the spirit, and even the upsets with a bit of humor. Life’s too short for anything less than a good photo opp after a crushing defeat. Who knows? One day you might just look back and laugh—or at least get some likes in the process!
Published 18 Nov 2024 at 14:21 Updated at 15:32
The recent images featuring Piotr Zielinski in a friendly moment with Cristiano Ronaldo have sparked considerable outrage among fans and experts alike.
Despite the backlash, the Polish captain remains steadfast, refusing to issue an apology for his actions.
– It’s disheartening, remarked former national team player Jacek Bak, reflecting on the current state of player conduct.
Recently, Portugal faced Poland in a decisive Nations League match.
Photo: IMAGO/LUKASZ GROCHALA/CYFRASPORT
Piotr Zielinski, who serves as the team captain of Poland, is now under scrutiny.
Photo: PIOTR NOWAK / EPA PAP
In a disappointing performance, Poland was overwhelmed by Portugal in an away match, leading to the sobering realization that they can ultimately secure no better than third place in their Nations League group.
Following the lopsided 1-5 defeat, a video snippet featuring Zielinski began circulating widely on social media platforms. In this viral clip, Zielinski and teammate Nicola Zalewski are seen eagerly awaiting the opportunity to snap selfies with Ronaldo, causing many to react with indignation.
One of the individuals voicing his discontent was former national team player Jacek Bak.
– It was different before. We’re losing 5-1 and I have to ask Ronaldo for a picture? The guy who slaughtered us just before? Do we really have no honor in our bodies?, he stated in disbelief.
Bak continued his critique, stating, – Today, social media seems to dictate importance, as if the first to post a picture with Ronaldo is somehow the victor. It shouldn’t be this way.
Bak, who earned close to 100 caps for Poland between 1993 and 2008, strongly believes that such conduct should not be without repercussions.
– It may sound harsh, but the national team captain should react. The only thing missing was that he also took a picture with Ronaldo, or maybe exchange jackets with Roberto Martinez (Portugal’s national team captain). I guess I’m not cut out for these days.
– It is sad. Today, unfortunately, it looks like this.
While Piotr Zielinski has not shared a selfie with Ronaldo on Instagram, he has posted several pictures featuring both players from the match.
Zielinski expressed his confusion regarding the negative feedback and has no intention of apologizing for his actions. – I am not interested in what happens on social media. For me, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players ever. I felt like taking a picture and I did. That’s it.
– Why is it inappropriate?
What led to the selfie scandal following the Nations League match against Portugal?
**Interview: Piotr Zielinski on the Selfie Scandal Post-Nations League Match**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Piotr! Thank you for joining us today. Despite the recent loss against Portugal and the resulting controversy, you seem to be standing firm in your beliefs. How are you feeling about everything?
**Piotr Zielinski:** Thank you for having me. Honestly, I’m a bit surprised by all the attention this has received. After a tough game, I still want to appreciate the great players in football, and asking for a selfie with Cristiano Ronaldo was just that—a moment of admiration.
**Editor:** Many have criticized this action, especially former Polish player Jacek Bak, who labeled it as lacking honor. How do you respond to that?
**Piotr Zielinski:** I understand that some people have strong feelings about it, but I don’t view it as dishonorable. I respect Cristiano as one of the greatest players ever, and taking a picture with him doesn’t diminish our competitive spirit. I’m not involved in social media trends; I did what felt right in the moment.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that you’re not interested in social media reactions. Do you think there needs to be a change in how athletes engage after such defeats?
**Piotr Zielinski:** Perhaps, but for me, football is also about enjoying the moments—both the highs and the lows. If someone wants a picture with Ronaldo, I don’t see a problem with that. It’s about connecting with history, even if it comes after a loss.
**Editor:** So you don’t believe you owe anyone an apology for taking that selfie?
**Piotr Zielinski:** Not at all. I don’t think my actions were inappropriate. I enjoyed a moment that I’ll remember regardless of the game’s outcome.
**Editor:** Lastly, what do you think this reflects about the current generation of players, with social media changing the landscape of athlete interaction?
**Piotr Zielinski:** It definitely reflects a shift. Today, we live in a world where moments are shared instantly, and sometimes it’s about seizing opportunities for memories. While some may feel it’s disrespectful, I believe we can honor the game while also celebrating the personalities in it.
**Editor:** Thanks, Piotr. It’s certainly a fascinating discussion, and we appreciate your insights. Best of luck in the remainder of the Nations League!
**Piotr Zielinski:** Thank you! I appreciate the support.
Is It All About the Likes?
Former national team player Jacek Bak has had a right old moan, hasn’t he? He’s come out swinging, arguing that the act of asking for a selfie with a player who just effectively put your hopes in a blender is akin to asking the baker for a slice of the cake you just dropped on the floor. “Have we no honor?” he bellows, and honestly, who could blame him? It’s like inviting your ex to a dinner party after they just burned your house down.