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, often nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer recognized as one of the greatest players in history. He currently plays for and captains Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. His numerous individual accolades include five Ballon d'Ors, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Throughout his career, he has won 34 trophies, including five UEFA Champions Leagues and a UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds records for most Champions League goals and assists, European Championship goals and assists, international appearances, and international goals. He's the only player to score 100 goals with four different clubs and is the all-time top goalscorer with over 900 senior career goals.

Sections (7)

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

2000: Portugal First Knockout Game without Ronaldo

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

September 2005: Death of Ronaldo's father

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

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, who later withdrew their allegation. Scotland Yard declared there was not enough evidence for a prosecution.

2006: World Cup Altercation and Transfer Request

During his third season in England, in 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo clashed with Ruud van Nistelrooy and was involved in an incident with Wayne Rooney during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, leading to a transfer request.

2006: 2006 FIFA World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, at the age of 21 years and 132 days, Ronaldo became the youngest ever goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals. Portugal reached the semi-finals, where Portugal lost to France. FIFA's Technical Study Group overlooked him for the tournament's Best Young Player award and handed it to Germany's Lukas Podolski, citing his behaviour as a factor in the decision.

2008: Didn't Start Game for Portugal

In 2022 World Cup, 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, Ronaldo allegedly raped a woman, leading to later investigations and legal battles.

2010: Went Trophyless

Cristiano Ronaldo finished the 2021-2022 season trophyless for the first time since 2010, despite being named in the Premier League Team of the Year and winning United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

2010: Settlement with Accuser

In 2010, Ronaldo reached a settlement with the woman who accused him of rape, which included a non-disclosure agreement.

April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigate Rape Allegation

In April 2017, it was reported that Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for an allegation by a woman that he had raped her in 2009. Documents, confirmed by Ronaldo's lawyers, state that Ronaldo paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement. Ronaldo denied all accusations, describing them as an "intentional defamation campaign".

July 2017: Tax Fraud Charges

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 for Tax Evasion

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. The sentence can be served under probation, without any jail time, so long as he does not re-offend.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed

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

2021: £56 Million Damages Sought

In 2021, The Daily Mirror reported that the woman accusing Ronaldo of rape sought £56 million in damages from him, citing court documents.

2022: Loss of Twin During Childbirth

In 2022, Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez were expecting twins. Sadly, the male twin died during childbirth, while the female twin survived.

2022: Scores at Fifth World Cup

In the 2022 World Cup, on November 24, Ronaldo became the first player to score at five World Cups, netting a penalty against Ghana. Following a dispute with manager Fernando Santos, he was dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's last 16 match.