Too famous to play football? Ronaldo has outgrown the sport that made him | Barney Ronay

Something unsettling happened when the man was grabbed, pushed around, and escorted away by security guards on the concrete pathway below the VIP seats thirty minutes after the game ended at BVB Stadion Dortmund on Saturday evening.

The man looked very well-kept and stylish, with shiny earrings and a full tracksuit from Portugal. He was smiling and shouting positive messages like "Big Love" and "Say Hi to Georgina", even while being escorted away by three men in high-visibility jackets. He made heart symbols with his hands throughout the ordeal.

Is it possible that he's just acting? A random member of the team? Upon further inspection, there was something not quite genuine and lacking in strength in his attempt at pulling off the attractive and cool young footballer appearance, with his muscle definition falling short and his jewelry not quite convincing. A dedicated group of spectators were observing the entire scene. We inquired about his identity. The spectators just shrugged and said, "He's Cristiano Ronaldo."

The security guards at the stadium were faced with a very modern situation. A person who looked like Cristiano Ronaldo, or a person dressed up as him, was trying to mix with the real Cristiano Ronaldo's entourage, bodyguards, and family.

Maybe the most unusual aspect was that it didn't seem odd at all in that situation. It seems like being a Ronaldo doppelganger is a real job opportunity, considering how many of them are online and in news stories about the newest INCREDIBLE CR7 IMPERSONATOR striking a pose in a Turkish shopping mall.

One interesting thing about this culture is how seeing someone who looks just like a famous person can always surprise and amaze people, creating a feeling of awe and admiration, as if it were a modern-day version of the ancient trade in religious artifacts like the bones of saints. Six fans ran onto the field in Dortmund just to take a selfie. Someone even made a sculpture of Cristiano Ronaldo's abs out of a honeydew melon in Manilla. Thank you, CR7, for giving us this entertaining content.

In Dortmund, Ronaldo's private box was not just a distraction during Portugal's 3-0 victory over Turkey, but also a source of excitement. Spectators were curious and eager to catch a glimpse of the famous YouTuber IShowSpeed, known for his humorous videos and interactions with celebrities. With a massive following of 25.4 million subscribers, IShowSpeed has more fans than the population of countries like Taiwan, Mali, or Burkina Faso.

This behavior is not uncommon at this event. It is a more advanced form of a well-known occurrence. However, in Dortmund, it seemed like it was getting out of hand. The main point to remember from the field intrusions is that it is evident that Uefa and the host country are not handling the situation properly, as they were not ready for it.

We can't let it happen again. The individuals who run onto the field are boring to watch and could be a threat. Ronaldo has the most followers on Instagram compared to anyone else globally. The public is noticeably less stable. What may seem harmless today could turn into a chaotic situation tomorrow.

Whose responsibility is it? And who needs to adjust to handle the situation? Football seems to not have fully realized the huge impact it has created. Ronaldo is arguably the most well-known individual globally. This is a new phenomenon in the world of sports.

Ronaldo has reached a level of fame where playing football may not be feasible for him anymore. It's possible that like other popular footballers, he may have to give up playing and leave it to others to do. He could consider having his proxies or representatives play in his place. Another option could be sending a video message to be shown during the game instead.

This is no laughing matter. The difference in popularity between Ronaldo and Uefa Euro 2024 is massive. Ronaldo has 107 million more followers than the tournament. His yearly salary is equivalent to the total fees paid by 24 nations to participate in the tournament. It's like having him on the pitch with regular rules is like organizing a Taylor Swift concert with minimal security, where fans can freely approach her during the show.

We need to find a solution for this real issue. The people in charge will criticize Uefa because they are responsible and need to address the problem. Maybe Uefa could demand that Ronaldo arrange for extra security himself, similar to how Messi has a team with tasers in the MLS. This situation is a result of Ronaldo's highly profitable side career.

For those watching the game, there was a feeling of something other than sports taking over. The match, originally an exciting Euro 2024 group game, turned into more of a showbiz event. This shift is just another example of how entertainment is invading the world of sports, taking away from the purity of competition.

It's essential to recognize that none of this can be blamed on Ronaldo. He is truly one of the best players ever, known for his exceptional skills and dedication to the game. Despite being an older player, he is still capable of performing at a high level and is a valuable asset to Portugal's team. In fact, he may even contribute to their success in the Euros. When comparing Ronaldo's performance to that of Harry Kane, a similarly static striker, Ronaldo's impact is still impressive.

Ronaldo's popularity is also a natural channel for change that comes from various sources. This includes the United States, where the largest economy is increasingly becoming interested in the world of soccer. Additionally, countries are utilizing sports to boost their influence on a global scale.

The scene can be found at Chelsea's Premier League game, where actors are brushing their teeth in the stands to advertise a movie, showcasing the growing exclusivity of elite leagues. This new trend can also be seen in the rise of celebrity pundits creating highly-entertaining content, with well-known personalities shouting at players for personal gain, a conversation happening above the heads of devoted and obedient fan-followers.

In Dortmund, there was a clear mix of entertainment and sports with fans of Ronaldo causing interruptions during the game just to create a moment of celebrity.

What makes it so captivating to witness this unfold live? One reason might be that despite the continued influence of Ronald in the world of sports, it remains difficult to explain why he is so widely admired. Is he truly beloved, cherished, or is he just incredibly well-known in a time where fame is highly valued? Why him? What sets him apart from the rest?

The appeal of the basics is clear. Ronaldo is an exceptional soccer player who has scored goals for highly successful teams. Additionally, his personal story is compelling. He embodies the idea of achieving success through hard work and determination, serving as a source of motivation for others. Ronaldo has transformed himself, honed his skills, and become a dominant force in his sport. He symbolizes the significant and well-executed accumulation of wealth, not only as the highest-paid player at the Euros earning over €200m per year, but also as the highest-paid player by a significant margin (Kylian Mbappé comes in at number two with a mere €70m). As Andy Warhol once said, "Making money is art." Ronaldo is akin to a living piece of art, showing others how to succeed in this world.

He also has that irresistibly appealing charm of a celebrity. How can we describe his appearance? Like a top-tier decoration on a wedding cake. He resembles a promising leader in a futuristic space army. Many people can be good-looking, but Ronaldo is strikingly handsome in a unique way that is instantly recognizable as him. It's like a familiar feeling that you're drawn to.

He's a perfect fit for the online world as well. He embodies the things that people are most fascinated with. Ronaldo represents self-care, grooming, and physical obsession. Especially men are eager to admire him. Ronaldo is all about muscles, attractiveness, achievement, and wealth. Who wouldn't be drawn to those traits? Ronaldo portrays himself as the ideal epitome of these fixations. Treat him like a popular brand, like Coca-Cola. Just like all Cokes are consistent and satisfying, Ronaldo is too.

One aspect of his mystique is his mysterious nature. Throughout history, athletes have been revered by the public. Fans idolized Diego Maradona for his rebellious spirit, mischievous demeanor, flawed genius, and distinct personality. In contrast, it is unclear what Ronaldo stands for. In a world where everything is intertwined with politics, it is astonishing that Ronaldo manages to remain elusive and undefined in these terms.

This statement is not completely accurate. Ronaldo supports regimes. Right now, he is associated with Saudi Arabia, which is clearly a political move. His public persona also heavily promotes excessive consumerism, focusing on the idea of material possessions and external appearances.

At its core, Ronaldo was the first to make his mark in this world. He established himself in a way that makes it almost impossible for anyone else to reach the same level of dominance in the football-social-media-corporate world. Other stars will come, but no one will reach the iconic status of Elvis Presley, as Ronaldo has already claimed that space.

On the field, he will still balance between the worlds of pure sportsmanship and commercialism, just like we see in Germany. He is a powerful figure in the history of the sport, shaping it into something new while navigating between these different realms. Let's hope there won't be any more clashes between the two. The ball is in your court, Uefa. Let's focus on the beautiful game for now.