Major Controversies Surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo: A Detailed Timeline

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

Cristiano Ronaldo, nicknamed CR7, is a Portuguese professional footballer considered one of the greatest players of all time. Playing as a forward and captaining both Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, he has achieved remarkable success, winning five Ballon d'Or awards, a record three UEFA Men's Player of the Year Awards, and four European Golden Shoes. Ronaldo boasts 34 career trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA European Championship. He holds records for goals and assists in both the Champions League and European Championship, as well as international appearances and goals. He is one of five players to score 100+ goals for three clubs. With over 1,200 professional appearances and over 900 senior career 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, Ronaldo and another man were investigated by the British Crown Prosecution Service after a rape allegation was brought forward by two women, which was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

2006: Incident with Rooney and Transfer Request

In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in an incident with teammate Wayne Rooney during the FIFA World Cup, leading to Rooney's dismissal. Subsequently, Ronaldo publicly requested a transfer due to feeling a lack of support from the club, though United denied his departure.

July 2008: Libel Damages over Drinking Allegation

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, an allegation of rape was brought forward by a woman .

2010: Non-disclosure Settlement

In 2010, Ronaldo paid a woman US$375,000 in a non-disclosure settlement.

2011: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

2012: Ronaldo's name linked to unsafe websites in McAfee report

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 Cristiano Ronaldo's name topping the list.

October 2013: Ronaldo responds to Sepp Blatter's comments with mock-salute

In October 2013, following FIFA president Sepp Blatter's remarks about Ronaldo's appearance, Real Madrid demanded and received an apology. Ronaldo responded to Blatter's "commander" on the pitch comment with a mock-salute celebration after scoring a penalty against Sevilla.

2014: Tax Fraud Allegation

Between 2011 and 2014, Ronaldo was charged with fraudulently evading almost €15 million in tax .

March 2017: Unveiling of rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

On March 29, 2017, the rebranded Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport was unveiled, including the presentation of a bust of Ronaldo's head, which generated controversy and ridicule for its lack of likeness.

April 2017: Las Vegas Police Investigation

In April 2017, it was reported that Ronaldo was being investigated by the Las Vegas Police Department for an allegation of rape that allegedly occurred in 2009.

July 2017: Tax Evasion Charge

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

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.

June 2018: New bust of Ronaldo unveiled at Madeira airport

In June 2018, a new bust of Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled at the Madeira airport, replacing the previous controversial bust. Sports website Bleacher Report had originally commissioned a 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 September 2018, the woman accusing Ronaldo of rape filed a civil lawsuit in Nevada.

July 2019: No Charges Filed in Rape Allegation

In July 2019, Las Vegas prosecutors announced they would not charge Ronaldo over allegations of rape due to insufficient evidence.

October 2021: Lawsuit Dismissal Recommendation

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

June 2022: Rape Lawsuit Dismissed

In June 2022, the woman's rape lawsuit against Ronaldo was dismissed with prejudice in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada due to the lawyer's use of illegally obtained documents.