Challenges Faced by Cristiano Ronaldo: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Cristiano Ronaldo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Cristiano Ronaldo, nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer considered one of the greatest players of all time. Playing as a forward and captaining both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, he has achieved remarkable success, winning five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo boasts 34 career trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA European Championship. He holds records for goals and assists in both the Champions League and European Championship, as well as international appearances and goals. He is one of five players to score 100+ goals for three clubs. With over 1,200 professional appearances and over 900 senior career goals, he is the all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2000: First Knockout Game Without Ronaldo

In 2022, Portugal's last 16 match in the World Cup was the first time Portugal had started a knockout game without Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting line-up at an international tournament since Euro 2000.

2005: Rape Allegation Investigation

In 2005, Ronaldo and another man were investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service after a rape allegation was brought forward by two women, which was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

2006: Incident with Rooney and Transfer Request

In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident with teammate Wayne Rooney during the FIFA World Cup, leading to Rooney's dismissal. Subsequently, Ronaldo publicly requested a transfer due to feeling a lack of support from the club, though United denied his departure.

2006: Youngest Goalscorer at World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, at 21 years and 132 days old, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals. Portugal reached the semi-finals, where they lost to France. Ronaldo faced booing due to an incident in the quarter-finals against England, leading to FIFA's Technical Study Group overlooking him for the Best Young Player award.

2008: Dropping from Starting Line-Up

In 2022, following a dispute with the manager, Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's last 16 match, marking the first time since Euro 2008 that he had not started a game for Portugal in a major international tournament.

2009: Rape Allegation

In 2009, an allegation of rape was brought forward by a woman .

2010: Non-disclosure Settlement

In 2010, Ronaldo paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement.

2010: Ronaldo goes trophyless in 2022

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo went trophyless for the first time since 2010.

2011: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

2014: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigation

In April 2017, it was reported that Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for an allegation of rape that allegedly occurred in 2009.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charge

In July 2017, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax between 2011 and 2014, a claim he denied at the time.

June 2018: Suspended Jail Sentence and Fine

In June 2018, Ronaldo was given a two-year suspended jail sentence and fined €18.8 million (later reduced to €16.8 million) after reaching a deal with Spanish authorities for tax evasion.