Cristiano Ronaldo gives young tearful fan his shirt and a hug after Portugal draw

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in Portugal’s 0-0 draw in the Republic of Ireland as he was shackled by defenders preventing him from adding to his world record of 115 international goals.

But it wasn’t just Irish defenders making a beeline for the Manchester United star, with fans also desperate to come face-to-face with the football icon in Dublin.

One young fan breached security at the final whistle as she made her way onto the pitch to greet the 36-year-old, holding back the tears as she edged closer him.

One fan invaded the pitch in a desperate attempt to meet Cristiano Ronaldo after the game

Despite initial attempts by stewards to stop her, Ronaldo soon greeted her with a hug

Ronaldo also gave the supporter his match shirt, which she stands proudly with afterwards

Although security soon caught up with her, Ronaldo appeared relaxed enough to allow them to let her through, a plea also aided by nearby Ireland players.

The young fan then looked delighted as Ronaldo took off his match shirt to give to her as a souvenir, before then also giving her a comforting hug before he then departed the pitch.

But it wasn’t the first time Ronaldo was faced with a fan during the dour draw at the Aviva Stadium, as he was forced to take defensive action when an older supporter charged the field.

Security again caught up with the supporter, who despite being held back still managed to get a distant hand-shake off the forward. 

Rep of Ireland players sensing a lack of threat also guided security to let the fan meet Ronaldo

The fan was close to tears when Ronaldo gave her his match shirt following the 0-0 draw

As Ronaldo then went to depart the field, the supporter was escorted off the field of play

Ronaldo endured a disappointing night on the pitch, missing a few chances including the best of the game to seal Portugal a win in the World Cup qualifier.

Late in the second half he found rare space from defenders, and fans, to make headed contact with an Andre Gomes cross, only to glance his effort narrowly wide across goal.

The United star then had another chance with the final attack of the match in stoppage time, looking to score from an acute angle instead of passing the ball back for team-mate Joao Felix to convert.

Despite failing to win in Dublin, the draw was enough to take Portugal back on top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Serbia, who they will host in Lisbon on Sunday needing only a draw to secure qualification for next winter’s World Cup finals in Qatar. 

Earlier in the match, Ronaldo had to dodge another supporter who had invaded the pitch

The forward endured a frustrating night in front of goal missing the best chance with a header

Despite a poor display, Portugal still got the point they needed to go to the top of the group