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 highly decorated Portuguese professional footballer currently playing for Al-Nassr and captaining the Portugal national team. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo's accomplishments include five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. He has won 33 trophies across his career, including league titles, five Champions Leagues, and the UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds records for most Champions League goals and assists, European Championship goals and assists, international appearances, and international goals. He is among the few players with over 1,200 professional appearances and has scored over 900 senior career goals, making him the all-time leading goalscorer.

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 age 52 from an alcoholism-related liver condition when Ronaldo was 20 years old.

2005: Rape Allegation 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, but the women withdrew their allegation and Scotland Yard declared there was not enough evidence for a prosecution.

2010: 2010 World Cup performance

During the 2010 World Cup qualifying and finals, Cristiano Ronaldo faced challenges in scoring goals. Although he scored only one goal in the finals, he was named man of the match in all three group stage matches against Ivory Coast, North Korea and Brazil.

2010: Trophyless Season

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

2011: Runner-up Finish in FIFA Ballon d'Or

In 2011, Ronaldo finished as runner-up to Lionel Messi in the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or.

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 by a woman that he had raped her in 2009.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charges

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

June 2018: Suspended Jail Sentence and Fine for Tax Evasion

In June 2018, Ronaldo received a two-year suspended jail sentence and was fined €18.8 million, later reduced to €16.8 million, after reaching a deal with Spanish authorities for tax evasion between 2011 and 2014.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed in Nevada

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

2018: Criticism of immobility with Juventus

In 2018, after joining Juventus at the age of 33, Jonathan Wilson of The Guardian opined that Cristiano Ronaldo had made Juventus weaker due to "his relative immobility" in his mid-30s.

2022: Death of Male Twin During Childbirth

In 2022, the couple Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo expected another set of twins, but the male twin died during childbirth while the female twin survived.