Ronaldo most bothered player at Euro 2024

On June 26, after Portugal lost 0-2 to Georgia, Ronaldo quickly glanced up at the stands, waved, and continued down the stairs to enter the tunnel. Suddenly, a fan jumped from the stands, about three meters high, landing close to the 39-year-old superstar. A security officer reacted swiftly, rushing in from behind to protect Ronaldo, preventing a potentially dangerous accident.

The Portugal captain was stunned by the situation, then spread his arms in a gesture of confusion at the fan's action.

"Ronaldo was very lucky to remain unharmed," German newspaper Bild wrote. "It's hard to imagine what would have happened if the fan had landed on Ronaldo."

Cristiano Ronaldo during the Euro match between Portugal and Georgia on June 27, 2024. Photo by AFP

The incident occurred just three days after UEFA announced increased security at stadiums for the remainder of Euro 2024. Earlier, at least six fans jumped into Westfalenstadion’s pitch and tried to approach Ronaldo during Portugal's 3-0 victory over Turkey on June 22.

Coach Roberto Martinez warned that players were in danger at Euro 2024. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) had to write letters to UEFA and the German Football Association (DFB) to demand stricter security during games.

UEFA once again announced another tightening of security, warning that those who trespass will be banned from stadiums for the rest of Euro 2024 and face criminal prosecution in Germany.

Security was not only increased at matches but also at training sessions and the Portugal team's hotel. European media warned that the fans' adoration for Ronaldo was going too far.

According to Bild, around 300 fans often gathered outside Portugal teams's hotel and three people attempted to climb over the fence. One fan injured his hand trying to climb the fence as he could not get a ticket to Portugal's training session, as 8,000 tickets were sold out in one minute. Security had to prevent at least 13 fans from entering the pitch.

The reception at the Klosterpforte hotel where the Portugal team are staying received 50 to 100 calls daily requesting Ronaldo's autograph or gaining access to Portugal's private area. UEFA had to set up an additional security fence hundreds of meters long and two meters high to keep the team safe from the fans. Previously, the initial security fence had been torn open to allow fans to look into the hotel or attempt to climb over.

UEFA also made special arrangements for Portugal on match days. The bus carrying Ronaldo and his teammates was allowed to get as close to the stadium as possible instead of having to park at a certain distance like the regulations said.

Ronaldo also made efforts to interact with fans by spending time before lunch to sign autographs at a designated area near the hotel fence. In the win over Turkey, he appeared friendly while taking photos with a 10-year-old boy named Berat who entered the pitch. However, the 39-year-old forward showed his limits as he visibly expressed displeasure with the next fans who approached him in a similar way which disrupted the match.