Cristiano Ronaldo narrowly avoided being struck by a fan who leapt from the crowd to approach the Portuguese star following their 2-0 defeat to Georgia in the Euro 2024 on Wednesday.
A widely circulated video on social media shows an individual jumping over the player tunnel at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, as Ronaldo was leaving the field.
A security guard quickly moved to protect the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, while another security personnel chased after the fan, who disappeared from view.
Ronaldo paused, bewildered, but appeared uninjured.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the incident but did not comment further. UEFA, the governing body of European football, acknowledged the incident.
The Gelsenkirchen police stated that the matter was not under their jurisdiction.
In Portugal's previous match against Turkey on Saturday in Dortmund, four intruders jumped onto the field seeking a selfie with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo stopped a young fan who had evaded security to enter the pitch in the 69th minute, but seemed frustrated when more fans approached him later in the match and after the final whistle.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, expressed concern for Ronaldo's safety following the Turkey match, stating the player was fortunate not to have been injured.
"Everyone loves a fan who recognizes the great stars and icons in their minds," Martínez said. "But it can be understood that it was a very, very difficult moment. If those intentions are wrong, the players are exposed, and we must be careful about that."
UEFA has stated that stadium security is a "top priority" and that additional measures will be implemented to prevent fans seeking selfies from entering the field.
Despite the surprising defeat to Georgia, Portugal has advanced to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 and will face Slovenia in the round of 16 in Frankfurt on Monday.
