As far as interactions with fans are concerned, Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has had a mixed week. A notable high point came during his fated meeting with popular streamer IShowSpeed, as the wholesome moment turned into a viral sensation. But just five days later, the Portugal International almost had an unexpected encounter with a pitch invader.
Fortunately for Ronaldo, his national compatriot Ruben Dias was on standby, and the center-back’s antics appear to have earned him the moniker of CR7’s ‘bodyguard’. It all happened during Portugal’s UEFA Euro Qualifier against Iceland.
Led out by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal team made it 4 wins in 4, and secured the top spot in Group J for the qualifying round. As for the moment in discussion, it occurred near the end of the game, more specifically during the 90th minute. The entire sequence of events was captured in the clip seen below, and it didn’t take long for it to go viral.
Ruben Dias – The new bodyguard of Cristiano Ronaldo.
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) June 22, 2023
In it, an elated Ronaldo can be seen celebrating near the corner flag, while his teammates walk back to their positions in the backdrop. Suddenly, a pitch invader disrupts the scene and makes a beeline toward the 38-year-old. The Al-Nassr striker could barely react before Ruben Dias swiftly intercepted the invader. The Manchester City center-back grabbed him by the shirt, before letting go once the stewards rushed in.
Dias’s vigilance earned him a handshake from Ronaldo, and it also led to fans online calling him the forward’s ‘bodyguard’.
Haha😂 goat gets a bodyguard https://t.co/GQYJ4LkZVr
— Goat 🐐 (@HKizash) June 22, 2023
Let’s not pick up that “bodyguard” hype from others man… 😭😭 https://t.co/qeU3OsRtlX
— Shubham Jagtap (@Shubhamjag1) June 22, 2023
Now Praising what they slam Rodrigo de paul for their whole life… https://t.co/Z2QsMiD6pV
— dino (@dino7888) June 22, 2023
They think they’re them 🤷♂️😵 https://t.co/wtIjokTqFn pic.twitter.com/I04R6fGwoS
— Phoenix (@Phoenix94393971) June 22, 2023
Naturally, there were comparisons to Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, who happens to be the ‘bodyguard’ of another GOAT, Lionel Messi.
Cristiano Ronaldo grabs late goal to secure win against Iceland
No matter his age or his form, Ronaldo’s ‘clutch gene’ just refuses to go away. With 3 points at stake, the striker turned up for his country yet again. Using his predatory instincts, the striker found himself in the ideal position for a tap-in. And once the chance arrived, the Portuguese Legend made no mistake.
🇵🇹 An 89th-minute winner in his 200th Portugal appearance…
Cristiano Ronaldo = Clutch #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VOseUUVJN9
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 22, 2023
Aside from winning the match for his country, Cristiano Ronaldo also earned his 200th cap for Portugal with his appearance against Iceland. Although it’s too early to jump to conclusions, it appears as if Ronaldo can thrive under recently recruited Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.