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, widely considered one of the greatest footballers, captains both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. He boasts an impressive array of individual awards, including five Ballon d'Ors and a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards. His trophy cabinet includes five UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds numerous records, such as the most Champions League goals (140) and assists (42), European Championship goals (14) and assists (8), and international appearances (226) and goals (143). He is the only player to score 100+ goals for four different clubs and is the all-time leading goalscorer with over 960 senior career goals.

Sections (7)

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

September 2005: Death of Ronaldo's Father

In September 2005, Ronaldo's father, José, died at the age of 52 due to an alcoholism-related liver condition when Ronaldo was 20 years old.

2005: Rape Allegation and Investigation

In 2005, Cristiano Ronaldo and another man were investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service after a rape allegation was brought forward by two women. The women later withdrew their allegations, and Scotland Yard declared there was not enough evidence for a prosecution.

2006: World Cup Controversy and Transfer Request

In 2006, Ronaldo was involved in an incident with Wayne Rooney during the FIFA World Cup and publicly requested a transfer, but Manchester United denied his request. Despite being booed, he had a break-out year.

2006: Youngest Goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, at the age of 21 years and 132 days, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest ever goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals. Portugal reached the semi-finals, but lost to France, with Ronaldo being booed during their defeat, due to an incident that occurred in the quarter-finals against England.

2008: UEFA Euro 2008

Ahead of UEFA Euro 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo wore the number 7 shirt. Despite scoring eight goals in qualifications, he scored just one goal in the finals, netting the second goal of Portugal's 3–1 win in the group stage game against the Czech Republic. Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 3–2 loss to Germany.

2009: Rape Allegation

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of rape, which led to an investigation by the Las Vegas Police Department in April 2017.

2010: Trophyless Season

Cristiano Ronaldo finished the 2021-2022 season trophyless, for the first time since 2010.

2010: 2010 Settlement

In 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo's lawyers made a settlement with a woman. In October 2021, a federal magistrate judge stated that no evidence was found of Ronaldo's lawyers having intimidated the woman or impeded law enforcement during the 2010 settlement with her.

2011: Start of Tax Evasion Period

Cristiano Ronaldo was later accused of tax evasion starting in 2011 and lasting up to 2014.

2014: End of Tax Evasion Period

Cristiano Ronaldo's period of alleged tax evasion ended in 2014. He was later charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax between 2011 and 2014.

April 2017: Investigation by Las Vegas Police Department

In April 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo was reported to be under investigation by the Las Vegas Police Department for a 2009 rape allegation. Documents confirmed by Ronaldo's lawyers stated he paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charges

In July 2017, Cristiano 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 for Tax Evasion

In June 2018, Cristiano 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. The sentence was served under probation.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed in Nevada

In September 2018, the woman accusing Cristiano Ronaldo of rape filed a civil lawsuit in Nevada.

2021: Woman Seeks Damages from Ronaldo

In 2021, court documents reported that the woman who accused Cristiano Ronaldo of rape sought £56 million in damages from him.

2022: Expecting Twins

In 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez were expecting another set of twins. Tragically, the male twin died during childbirth, while the female twin survived.