Major Controversies Surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo: A Detailed Timeline

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

Cristiano Ronaldo, known as CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer widely considered one of the greatest. He captains both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team. His numerous accolades include five Ballon d'Ors, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. He has won 34 trophies, including five UEFA Champions Leagues and the UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds records for most Champions League goals (140) and assists (42), European Championship goals (14) and assists (8), and most international appearances (226) and goals (143). He's the only player to score 100+ goals with four different clubs. With over 1,300 professional appearances and 960+ goals, he is the all-time top goalscorer.

Sections (7)

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

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 withdrew their allegations, and Scotland Yard stated there was not enough evidence for prosecution.

2006: Incident with Wayne Rooney and Transfer Request

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

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.

2009: Initial Rape Allegation

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo was accused of rape, leading to investigations years later.

2010: 2010 Settlement

In 2010, a settlement between Cristiano Ronaldo and his accuser was made in 2010.

2011: Tax Evasion Investigation Start

In 2011, Cristiano Ronaldo was investigated for tax evasion, the investigations led to charges in 2017.

2012: Most dangerous footballer search

Computer security company McAfee produced a 2012 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: Blatter's Comments and Ronaldo's Response

In October 2013, during a debate at Oxford Union, FIFA president Sepp Blatter made disparaging comments about Ronaldo, leading to a demand and receipt of an apology from Real Madrid. Ronaldo responded with a mock-salute celebration after scoring a penalty against Sevilla.

2014: Tax Evasion Investigation End

In 2014, Cristiano Ronaldo's tax evasion investigation concluded and the tax evasion charge was made in 2017

March 2017: Unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

On March 29, 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, including a bust of Ronaldo which was met with controversy due to its lack of likeness.

April 2017: Rape Allegation Investigation by Las Vegas Police

In April 2017, it was reported that Cristiano Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for a 2009 rape allegation.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charge

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

June 2018: Suspended Jail Sentence and Fine for Tax Fraud

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 fraud. The sentence was served under probation.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed in Nevada

In September 2018, the woman who accused Cristiano 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 Cristiano Ronaldo over rape allegations, citing insufficient evidence.

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommendation

In October 2021, federal magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that the lawsuit against Cristiano Ronaldo be dismissed due to the woman's lawyer's unethical use of Football Leaks documents.

2021: Woman Seeks Damages from Ronaldo

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

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, due to the lawyer's unethical use of privileged documents.