Cristiano Ronaldo had a personal bodyguard in Portugal teammate Ruben Dias as the Manchester City defender saved him from a pitch invader.
The incident occurred during Portugal’s 1-0 win against Iceland as part of their Euro 2024 qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal in the 89th minute, which was also his 123rd international goal in his 200th appearance, which is now a Guinness World Record.
This is their 4th victory under new manager Roberto Martinez, and they are yet to still concede a goal under him.
Ruben Dias plays heroic role saving Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo initially did not celebrate his winning goal, as VAR was still checking whether it was legitimate or not. But when the goal was given, Ronaldo ran over to the corner along with his teammates.
But one supporter was also carried away by the emotions of the final scenes. He jumped over on the pitch and started his run towards Ronaldo. But an obstacle in the form of Ruben Dias was waiting for him, as shown in the video below.
The defender who recently won the treble with Manchester City quickly grabbed the pitch invader before he could reach Ronaldo. He grabbed his shirt and kept him away from the captain as security arrived to take off the supporter.
The incident earned Dias mixed reactions from the fans on social media. Many praised the player’s action, commending him for protecting his captain.
On Twitter user said, “I’ve already like Dias, but this moves him spots above”
i’ve already like Dias, but this moves him spots above ❤️
— Ian🎌 (@iGunnyy) June 22, 2023
Another said, “Ronaldo finally got his own De Paul.”
But many felt the action was unnecessary as the fan just wanted to meet his idol and Dias ruined that.
Let's be honest here, Dias isn't a hero for this… this is pure jealousy
— Bill Dex ♔ (@bill_dex7) June 22, 2023
“Let’s be honest here, Dias isn’t a hero for this… this is pure jealousy”
Another wrote, “He just denied that fan his dreams”
He just denied that fan his dreams😭
— Bob (@dat_boy_bob) June 22, 2023
Whatever the case, Ronaldo was thankful to Dias, shaking his hand soon after.
How many times has Portugal qualified for Euro?
Portugal is close to securing their place in next year’s Euros being top in their group stage. Slovakia is second two points behind, and the two sides will meet on September 8 to decide the final top spot.
If Portugal qualifies, it will be their ninth time participating in the competition. The UEFA Euro competition started in 1958, but it will be a long time before Portugal would be in it.
They first qualified in 1984, even reaching the semi finals in that edition. It would take 12 years before their second ever Euros campaign in 1996. Since then, Portugal has participated in every edition. Out of 16 possible Euro tournaments, they have only participated in 8.
They came close to a Euro championship triumph in 2004 but lost in the final to Greece. They again made it to a final in 2016, but this time they grabbed the trophy, despite Ronaldo being injured early on. It was their first major trophy in international football.
Ronaldo and Portugal will now rest before linking up again on September 8 to face Slovakia.
