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 of all time. He currently plays for Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He boasts numerous individual awards, including five Ballon d'Or titles, record-setting UEFA Men's Player of the Year awards, and four European Golden Shoes. His trophy cabinet includes seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, and a UEFA European Championship. Ronaldo holds Champions League records for goals (140) and assists (42) and European Championship records for goals (14) and assists (8), and international records for appearances (221) and goals (138). Having made over 1,200 career appearances, he's the outfield player with the most appearances, and his over 900 official senior career goals make him 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, Ronaldo and another man were investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service after a rape allegation was brought forward by two women, though the women withdrew their allegations and there was not enough evidence for prosecution.

2006: World Cup Incident and Transfer Request

During his third season in England, and following the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident where club teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off. Ronaldo publicly asked for a transfer, lamenting the lack of support he felt he had received from the club over the incident. United denied the possibility of him leaving the club.

2006: 2006 FIFA World Cup

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo became the youngest goalscorer for Portugal at a World Cup finals, but Portugal lost in the semi-finals. He was overlooked for the Best Young Player award due to his behavior.

July 2008: Libel Damages Over Drinking Article

In July 2008, Ronaldo received libel damages over a Daily Mirror article that falsely reported him drinking heavily in a nightclub, highlighting his commitment to maintaining his image.

2009: Alleged Rape Incident

In 2009, An alleged rape incident involving Ronaldo occurred. It was reported in April 2017 that Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for an allegation by a woman that he had raped her, adding to the serious challenges in his personal life.

2010: Non-disclosure Settlement

In 2010, Ronaldo paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement, related to a rape allegation that was reported in April 2017.

2011: Tax Evasion Investigation Begins

In 2011, Ronaldo began fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax between 2011 and 2014, leading to significant legal challenges, the charge was issued on July 2017.

2012: Most Dangerous Footballer to Search Online

In 2012, a McAfee report ranked Ronaldo as the footballer most likely to lead internet users to unsafe websites when searching for his name.

October 2013: Sepp Blatter's Comments and Real Madrid's Demand for Apology

In October 2013, FIFA president Sepp Blatter made a comment about Ronaldo's expenses for the hairdresser during a debate at Oxford Union. Real Madrid demanded and promptly received a full apology from Blatter.

2014: Tax Evasion Investigation Continues

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo continued to fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax, leading to significant legal challenges, the charge was issued on July 2017.

March 2017: Unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport and bust

On March 29, 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, including a bust of Ronaldo's head. The bust's likeness was widely ridiculed.

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, adding to the serious challenges in his personal life.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charges

In July 2017, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax between 2011 and 2014, leading to significant legal challenges.

June 2018: Suspended Jail Sentence and Fine

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 regarding tax evasion charges.

June 2018: New Bust Presented

On June 15, 2018, a new bust of Ronaldo was shown to the public. The previous bust's likeness was widely ridiculed so Bleacher Report commissioned sculptor Emanuel Santos to create another bust, this bust was never used and a new one was made by a Spanish sculptor.

September 2018: Civil Lawsuit Filed in Nevada

In September 2018, the same woman filed a civil lawsuit in Nevada accusing Ronaldo of rape, seeking significant damages and reopening the legal challenges surrounding the allegation.

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, stating that the allegations could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, bringing a resolution to part of the legal challenge.

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommended

In October 2021, federal magistrate judge Daniel Albregts recommended that the rape lawsuit be dismissed, citing bad faith by the woman's lawyer in using Football Leaks documents, marking a significant development in the case.

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, with the judge citing the lawyer's repeated use of cyber-hacked attorney-client privileged documents as abuses of the litigation process, effectively ending the legal battle.