Thousands of fans turned out in Riyadh to get up close and personal with Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday evening but Kylian Mbappe got the best view of the striker’s hefty bruise on his face.
Ronaldo, 37, was left with a shiner on his cheek after a crunching collision with Keylor Navas during Paris Saint-Germain’s friendly with a Saudi Arabian All-Star XI in Riyadh.
Neither the striker nor the goalkeeper appeared to actually connect with a deep free-kick in the 32nd minute yet Ronaldo clattered into Navas’ elbow as he went to punch the ball.
Despite the Al-Nassr newboy being left in a heap on the ground, it was something of a surprise to see a penalty awarded for the incident.
Ronaldo EQUALISES from the penalty spot for Riyadh's All-Star XI! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/wVcaE4HRKE
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 19, 2023
Ronaldo was visibly hurt as he stepped up and scored from the spot.
Shortly afterwards, PSG forward Mbappe was pictured getting a good look at the bruise, sympathising with his pained rival.
The injury clearly had little impact on Ronaldo’s performance as he scored again in the first half, hitting the post with a header before tucking away the rebound.
Ronaldo and Mbappe, along with Neymar and Lionel Messi, were substituted on the hour mark of an entertaining friendly in Riyadh which PSG won 5-4.
