Major Controversies Surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo, often called CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer renowned as one of the greatest players ever. He currently captains both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team as a forward. His achievements include five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo has secured 33 trophies, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and one UEFA European Championship. He holds records for most Champions League goals (140) and assists (42), European Championship goals (14) and assists (8), and international appearances (219) and goals (136). Surpassing 900 official senior career goals, Ronaldo stands as the top goalscorer of all time.

Sections (7)

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

2000: Starting Line-Up

In 2022, following a dispute with manager Fernando Santos, Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped from the starting line-up for Portugal's last 16 match, marking the first time since Euro 2000 that Portugal had started a knockout game without Ronaldo in the starting line-up at an international tournament .

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. The women later withdrew their allegation, and Scotland Yard stated there was not enough evidence for a prosecution.

2006: World Cup Incident with Rooney and Transfer Request

Following the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which he was involved in an incident where club teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off, Ronaldo publicly asked for a transfer. However, he broke the 20-goal barrier for the first time and won his first Premier League title in the 2006-07 season.

2006: Youngest Goalscorer for Portugal at World Cup

In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals, although he faced booing and missed out on the Best Young Player award.

July 2008: Libel Damages Over Drinking Report

In July 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo received libel damages over a Daily Mirror article that reported him drinking heavily in a nightclub while recovering from an injury.

2008: Dropping from Starting Line-Up

In 2022, following a dispute with manager Fernando Santos, 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.

2012: Most Dangerous Internet Search Result

In 2012, computer security company McAfee reported that Cristiano Ronaldo's name was the most likely football player's name to lead to an unsafe website when searched online.

October 2013: Blatter's Comments and Ronaldo's Response

In October 2013, during a debate at Oxford Union, FIFA president Sepp Blatter made comments about Cristiano Ronaldo, implying he spends more on his hairdresser than Lionel Messi. In response, Ronaldo issued a mock-salute celebration after scoring a penalty against Sevilla.

March 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport Unveiling

On March 29, 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, which included a bust of his head. The bust and the name change were met with controversy due to the bust's lack of likeness to Ronaldo.

April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigation

In April 2017, it was reported that Cristiano 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, 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

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.

June 2018: New Bust Commissioned

In June 2018, after the initial bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was heavily criticized, sports website Bleacher Report commissioned sculptor Emanuel Santos to create another bust; however, this bust was never used and a new one was made by a Spanish sculptor, shown to the public on June 15, 2018.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed in Nevada

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

July 2019: No Charges Filed in Rape Allegation

In July 2019, Las Vegas prosecutors said they would not charge Cristiano Ronaldo over allegations of rape, stating that the allegations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommendation

In October 2021, federal magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that the rape lawsuit against Cristiano Ronaldo be dismissed, citing bad faith by the woman's lawyer.

June 2022: Rape Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice

In June 2022, the woman's rape lawsuit against Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed with prejudice in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.