Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo, often nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest players of all time. Currently playing for Al Nassr and captaining the Portugal national team, he's celebrated for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and overall skill. His accomplishments include five Ballon d'Or awards, multiple UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and numerous league titles, including five UEFA Champions League titles. Ronaldo holds records for most goals and assists in the Champions League and European Championship, as well as most international appearances and goals. He is the all-time leading goalscorer in football, having scored over 900 career goals.
2005: Rape Allegation Investigation
In 2005, Ronaldo was investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service following a rape allegation. The investigation concluded without prosecution after the accusers withdrew their claims due to lack of evidence.
Share
2006: Involvement in World Cup Incident
During his third season, in 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident at the FIFA World Cup where club teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off, and he publicly asked for a transfer.
Share
July 2008: Libel Damages Received
In July 2008, Ronaldo received libel damages in response to a Daily Mirror article that falsely reported him drinking heavily in a nightclub while recovering from an injury.
Share
2012: Ronaldo's Name Linked to Unsafe Websites
In 2012, a McAfee report ranked footballers by the probability of an internet search for their name leading to an unsafe website, with Ronaldo's name first on the list.
Share
March 2017: Unveiling of Rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport
In March 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, including a bust of his head, which was controversial due to its likeness.
Share
April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigate Rape Allegation
In April 2017, the Las Vegas Police Department initiated an investigation into an allegation that Ronaldo raped a woman in 2009.
Share
July 2017: Tax Fraud Charges
In July 2017, Ronaldo faced charges for allegedly evading nearly €15 million in taxes between 2011 and 2014, allegations he initially denied.
Share
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) for tax evasion after reaching an agreement with Spanish authorities.
Share
September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed for Rape Allegation
In September 2018, a civil lawsuit was filed in Nevada accusing Ronaldo of rape.
Share
2018: Criticism about Immobility
In 2018, Jonathan Wilson of The Guardian opined that Ronaldo had made Juventus weaker, due to "his relative immobility" in his mid-30s, even if his personal goal-scoring output remained high.
Share
July 2019: Rape Charges Dropped in Las Vegas
In July 2019, Las Vegas prosecutors announced they would not be pressing charges against Cristiano Ronaldo regarding allegations of rape, citing insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Share
October 2021: Recommendation to Dismiss Rape Lawsuit
In October 2021, a federal magistrate judge recommended dismissing the rape lawsuit against Ronaldo, citing misconduct by the plaintiff's lawyer in using privileged documents and finding no evidence of intimidation by Ronaldo's legal team.
Share
June 2022: Rape Lawsuit Dismissed
In June 2022, the woman's rape lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.
Share