Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was the surprise star of a frankly ludicrous Super Bowl 2018 cross-over advert

Someone needs to explain the rules of the NFL to the Real Madrid superstar

There were many surprises on Super Bowl LII Sunday, not least the Philadelphia Eagles winning their first ever Vince Lombardi trophy against overwhelming favourites the New England Patriots.

Then there was Justin Timberlake taking a selfie with an unsuspecting kid during the half-time show, a photo that has already become a meme worldwide.

But perhaps the most surprising appearance - and one that appears to have gone under the radar - is Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo's cameo in a Super Bowl themed advert.

The Portuguese star, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Monday, starred in a quite frankly ludicrous advert for the Altice One digital interface that saw him swap football kit for NFL gear and a helmet, which he posted on his Twitter page.

But instead of simply scoring a touchdown given a very good opportunity, Ronaldo heads an American football between the posts and celebrates wildly on his own, despite clearly having just wasted a great chance to score.

But still it's Ronaldo so no-one wants to tell him. Probably.

And it's not his first foray into the NFL; before the 2014 World Cup, Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates trained at the New York Jets' practice facility where then-wide receiver David Nelson taught the former Man United man how to throw.

Judging by the above advert the tips did not pay off.