Cristiano Ronaldo received an incredible reception during the closing stages of Riyadh XI's 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain - with cameras capturing his reaction.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner started his first game in Saudi Arabia on Thursday evening to begin the final chapter of his illustrious career.
Ronaldo revealed his career in Europe is over earlier this month following stints with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.
What's already obvious is Ronaldo will be adored in the Middle East. The Portugal legend helped grow Al Nassr's social media following massively within hours of putting pen to paper on a deal with Al Nassr, while someone bought a ticket to his first game for £2.18 million.
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He scored twice for the Riyadh XI, his first being from the penalty spot and his second a trademark header Keylor Navas had no chance of stopping.
The 37-year-old didn't play the full 90 minutes as that's likely being saved for his new club. He contributed enough to receive a huge ovation from everyone inside the King Fahd International Stadium.
As broadcasters cut to Ronaldo sat on the bench with his teammates, the stadium let out a massive cheer. Ronaldo's face had been show on screens inside the ground.
It's the kind of noise usually reserved for last-minute winners or flashes of brilliance. Ronaldo's presence amazingly manages to outweigh a lot of that.
Cristiano Ronaldo waves to supporters. pic.twitter.com/b1PdNLGYzP
— CR7 Portugal (@CR7_PORFC) January 19, 2023
He couldn't help but wave and crack a smile. The live feed cut to the stadium, with thousands stood up giving Ronaldo the respect he deserves.
It's likely to be the last time Ronaldo faces off with longtime rival Lionel Messi. The Argentina maestro opened the scoring inside three minutes to let everyone know what kind of contest they were in for.
Ronaldo equalised just before the half-hour mark, while PSG defender Juan Bernat received a red card. Marquinhos put the French outfit ahead once again before Ronaldo grabbed his second.
Sergio Ramos made it 3-2, then Jang Hyun-soo levelled things up minutes later. PSG managed to go two goals ahead here with a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick and Hugo Ekitike effort.
The Riyadh XI still weren't done. Anderson Talisca added a consolation in added time to cap off a thrilling spectacle.
Ronaldo will be eligible to make his first Al Nassr start against Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday.
Featured Image Credit: A Bola
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia, Paris Saint-Germain
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