Jhon Duran, Al-Nassr’s young forward, faces criticism after being photographed riding a motorbike without a helmet in Colombia, sparking outrage over his lack of professionalism off the pitch, especially amid his recent performances and tensions at the club.

Jhon Duran, the 21-year-old forward who plays for Al-Nassr alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has recently found himself at the center of a controversy that has sparked outrage among football fans and critics alike.

During a recent holiday in his home country of Colombia, Duran posted a picture of himself riding a three-wheeled motorcycle through the streets of Medellín, without wearing a helmet, an act that has raised questions about his responsibility as a professional athlete and public figure.

The image quickly went viral on social media, and it wasn’t long before fans and critics began to voice their concerns. Many people took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their disapproval, with some pointing out that riding a motorbike without a helmet is not only dangerous but also illegal in many parts of the world, including Colombia.

One commenter even wrote, “No titles, no goals, no helmet,” a jab at Duran’s recent lack of major accomplishments on the football field, suggesting that he was not yet at a level where he could afford to make such careless mistakes.

The backlash was swift and intense, with many questioning the decision-making skills of the young footballer. Fans argued that athletes, particularly those playing for high-profile clubs like Al-Nassr, should serve as role models, both on and off the field.

By posting the photo, Duran seemed to dismiss the importance of safety regulations, which only fueled the criticism.

For many, it seemed like a poor judgment call on his part, particularly given the intense media scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete.

This motorbike incident isn’t the first time Duran has found himself in hot water. Following Colombia’s 2-2 draw with Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier, Duran engaged in a tense exchange with journalists, dismissing any questions about team performance.

When asked about the internal critique of the team, he reportedly responded, “None personally, and the team less so. We worked for the win, we ran, and we missed two chances, just like any team would.”

This brief, almost defensive response did little to alleviate the concerns of the press and fans, with many interpreting it as arrogance or a lack of maturity in handling criticism.

Since joining Al-Nassr from Aston Villa in January 2025, Duran has been under the microscope, especially with the presence of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, as he has been one of the team’s top scorers, netting seven goals in his first nine appearances.

However, despite his early success, Duran has yet to prove himself on the global stage, and his recent off-field behavior has raised questions about his professionalism.

While the young forward’s on-pitch contributions have been commendable, his recent actions outside of the sport have painted a less flattering picture.

Al-Nassr’s management, already dealing with some internal issues, including speculation about the future of head coach Stefano Pioli, now has to address this latest controversy surrounding one of their brightest young talents.

The club has faced criticism in recent weeks for inconsistent performances in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ittihad currently holding a ten-point lead at the top of the table.

Duran’s lack of professionalism off the pitch could add more pressure to an already tense situation, especially as the team fights to secure a strong finish to the season.

Riding a motorbike without a helmet is not just a violation of local laws—it also puts the player’s career at risk. For an athlete like Duran, whose future is just beginning to take shape, such reckless behavior could have serious consequences.

Injuries sustained in such an accident could not only keep him off the field for weeks or months but could also hinder his potential to secure a long-term place at Al-Nassr or other top clubs. His lack of a helmet, a seemingly small detail, could end up being a costly mistake in the long run.

This incident also highlights the growing tension between the public expectations of professional athletes and their off-field behavior.

With social media being more prominent than ever, athletes are constantly under the watchful eye of fans, journalists, and critics. A single mistake can quickly go viral, as was the case with Duran’s motorbike ride.

His fans have been vocal in their dismay, while critics argue that he should be setting a better example for young football enthusiasts who look up to him.

Duran’s motorbike ride and subsequent social media post are also troubling considering his still-developing career. While many of his peers are focusing on their on-field development and managing their off-field behavior to ensure long-term success, Duran’s actions suggest a lack of focus or maturity.

The public nature of his mistake is particularly concerning for Al-Nassr, who are hoping that their young stars will rise to the occasion as they continue their pursuit of domestic glory. Duran’s behavior off the field could overshadow the potential he has on it.

In the coming days, Duran and Al-Nassr will likely have to address the situation. The club’s leadership may need to have a private conversation with the young forward about the importance of maintaining a professional image both on and off the pitch.

In the world of football, where public perception can make or break a career, Duran’s actions could serve as a wake-up call about the responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete.

Ultimately, while Duran’s motorbike stunt may seem like a small, impulsive decision, it has highlighted deeper concerns about his maturity and his ability to manage the pressures that come with being a top-tier footballer.

With the world watching, this mistake could be more than just a fleeting scandal—it could be the moment that shapes the trajectory of his career in the years to come.