CRISTIANO RONALDO broke protocol instead of more records with a unique start to Euro 2024.
The Portugal legend shocked fans by adding a dashing new dimension to his game at the kick-off in a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic.
Ronaldo, 39, is the Euros' top scorer ever on 14 goals and its highest appearance-maker in history on 26.
And in Tuesday's group opener he also became the first player to appear in the finals of six such tournaments.
But for many viewers the ex-Manchester United striker's evening will be remembered for the way he began it at the Leipzig Stadium.
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As Portugal touched the ball back to launch proceedings, the Al-Nassr star as somehow several metres inside the Czech half - scampering down the right.
Ron your marks... get set... already gone!
"This guy is too eager," posted one astonished fan.
"What is bud doing? He thinks he’s at the Olympics," suggested another.
Ronaldo's burst was so sharp that he was in line with Czech MIDFIELDERS as Portugal kicked off.
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But one observer claimed such pro-active rather than reactive thinking explained "why he’s the goat bro".
A few fans reckon Ron's antics were cheeky to the point of "cheating".
But most were just gobsmacked by his unusual move.
However, the rest of the night was more satisfactory than sensational for Ronaldo.
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Lukas Provod thudded a surprise long-range opener for the under-pressure Czechs midway through the second period.
But Robin Hranac's own goal and a rebound winner from late sub Francisco Conceicao earned Roberto Martinez's men the victory their ample possession deserved.
