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 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

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.

July 2008: Libel damages over Daily Mirror article

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

2009: Rape Allegation

In 2009, Ronaldo allegedly raped a woman, leading to later investigations and legal battles.

2010: Settlement with Accuser

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

2012: McAfee report ranks footballers by unsafe website probability

In 2012, computer security company McAfee produced a report ranking footballers by the probability of an internet search for their name leading to an unsafe website, with Ronaldo's name first on the list.

October 2013: Sepp Blatter's comments and Ronaldo's response

In October 2013, during a debate at Oxford Union, FIFA president Sepp Blatter slighted Ronaldo, claiming "one of them has more expenses for the hairdresser than the other," after which Real Madrid demanded and received an apology. Ronaldo responded with a mock-salute celebration after scoring a penalty against Sevilla.

July 2016: Madeira Airport renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

On July 23, 2016, following Portugal's triumph at Euro 2016, Madeira Airport in Funchal was renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, sparking local debate and a petition against the move.

March 2017: Unveiling of the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

The unveiling of the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport took place on March 29, 2017, which included a bust of his head being presented, receiving controversial reactions for its lack of likeness to Ronaldo.

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.

July 2019: Las Vegas Prosecutors Decline to Charge Ronaldo

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

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommended

In October 2021, federal magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that the lawsuit be dismissed, citing that the woman's lawyer acted in bad faith by using Football Leaks documents, and that no evidence was found of Ronaldo's lawyers having intimidated the woman.

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.

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. District judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ruled that the lawyer's repeated use of "cyber-hacked attorney–client privileged documents" represented "abuses and flagrant circumvention of the proper litigation process".