RON THE MONEY
Conor McGregor ‘puts on astonishing £51k Cristiano Ronaldo Euro 2024 bet’… and it doesn’t start well
MMA hero saw the legend get off to a shaky start as Portugal edged out the Czech Republic
CONOR McGREGOR might already be worried after sharing his astonishing Euro 2024 bet on Cristiano Ronaldo.
The UFC icon could be sharing his tears too next month unless the Portugal record-beaker improves on his start in Germany!
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"Notorious" posted on social media his $60,000 (£50,745) wager backing Ronaldo to win the Golden Boot, with £761,310 winnings at stake.
So the Irishman must have been punching the air in frustration when the 39-year-old hit the bar but failed to net against the Czech Republic.
Portugal, however, roared back to triumph 2-1 in their group opener.
That means Roberto Martinez's men are looking good to justify their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
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An extended run should mean more game-time for Ronaldo - and more hope for McGregor, who sat ringside with the ex-Manchester United hero at boxing in Saudi Arabia last December.
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight king shared his bet with fans and added the words: "60 G’s on @Cristiano to retain his Euro Golden Boot. Siuuu!"
"Great start," posted one fan ruefully after Ronaldo's goalless first match.
"Game recognises game," said another - but other viewers teased Notorious over his faltering flutter.
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EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY
McGregor's frustration at Ron's blank night won't compare to the 35-year-old's annoyance at injury halting his octagon return.
The MMA star was due to tackle Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas on June 29 McGregor might now have to wait until September to fight once more.
How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano Ronaldo
CRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.
Euro 2004
After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo's first Euros came in 2004.
Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece - his first for Portugal.
He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.
Euro 2008
Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he's had.
There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.
Euro 2012
Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.
Portugal's quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.
His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.
Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.
After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.
Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.
He matched Michel Platini's record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.
Euro 2020
Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.
Yet it was arguably Portugal's least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo's love affair with the Euros
McGregor and Ronaldo went viral last year after their ringside Riyadh encounter.
Their chat, comparing watches, captivated viewers.
Now Notorious must hope time is not up for Ron when it comes to goalscoring feats.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus frontman already has a Euros record haul of 14 goals and is now in his sixth such finals.
Inside McGregor's Notorious lifestyle
With more sides to his personality than an Octagon, Conor McGregor's rise has been an enthralling watch.
Going from UFC icon to entrepreneur and Hollywood star, the Irishman has transcended the sport he helped bring to the masses.
He has four children with fiancee Dee Devlin and the family enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
McGregor has not fought in UFC since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021.
That has not stopped him amassing a net worth of over £150m thanks to his Proper No Twelve whiskey and fashion line.
And he is due to return to the Octagon at UFC 303 in an eagerly-awaited headline clash with Michael Chandler.
McGregor also starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Amazon Prime remake of classic movie Road House, although he is dreading his mum seeing one X-rated scene.
Notorious turned up to the premiere in a £60,000 suit that was outdone by his £460k watch.
The only thing sharper than his fashion sense is his tongue and the Dubliner has several bitter spats under his belt, including with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
That row led to one of his biggest controversies in 2018 as he travelled 3,000 miles to confront Khabib in a vicious attack on his bus.
He pleaded guilty to assault after punching a man in a pub in 2018 and had his £150k Bentley seized by police for driving offences four years later.
Joe Rogan lashed out at McGregor in a four-letter outburst and the Irishman has also fired shots at Jake Paul, KSI and Tommy Fury.
Boxing great Floyd Mayweather also has McGregor on his enemy list after the pair clashed in a cross-sport bout in 2017.
Read all of our latest Conor McGregor stories.