From CR7’s infamous World Cup wink to Jorge Jesus’ row: 7 controversies that rocked Cristiano Ronaldo’s career

Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (AP photo) Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering 23-year international career in Portugal has been defined by extraordinary goalscoring performances, major trophies and a collection of individual records. But alongside the success, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also found himself at the center of several controversies on and off the pitch.When the 41-year-old announced his decision to retire from international football after the November 2026 break, his final months in Portugal were also marred by a public row with coach Jorge Jesus. The episode added another chapter to a career in which Ronaldo’s actions, comments and behavior have repeatedly made headlines.Here are seven major controversies that rocked the Portuguese superstar’s career:

The break of the Portuguese camp and the fallout with Jorge Jesus

One of the most recent controversies came during Portugal’s international camp in September 2026. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the team’s 2–1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27, despite warming up during the match.Reports subsequently emerged that the forward had left the camp after a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time. Ronaldo was said to be unhappy because he believed there had been a deal regarding his involvement.The episode prompted an investigation by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Ronaldo later apologized and said he would accept whatever punishment the governing body saw fit. On October 19, the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary body handed him a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine for leaving the national team camp without permission.The controversy came just weeks before Ronaldo announced his international retirement. While the timing has raised questions about whether the fallout affected his decision, it has not been confirmed that the dispute was the reason for his announcement.READ ALSO: Cristiano Ronaldo bids emotional farewell to national team; Read the full speech

Explosive Piers Morgan interview and Manchester United exit

Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United came to a cruel end in November 2022 after an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.In the interview, published in two parts, Ronaldo criticized the club’s hierarchy, questioned its infrastructure and said he felt “betrayed”. He also said he has no respect for manager Erik ten Hag, claiming the Dutchman did not show him respect.The comments sparked a major row with United. On 22 November 2022, the club announced that Ronaldo had left by mutual consent, bringing his second stint at Old Trafford to an abrupt end.

Phone incident with Everton supporter

In April 2022, Ronaldo was involved in an incident following Manchester United’s 1–0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.As he walked towards the tunnel, the attacker snatched the phone from the hand of a spectator, later identified as a young Everton supporter. Footage of the incident went viral on social media.Ronaldo admitted that his behavior was inappropriate, but did not admit the accusation of violent behavior. An independent FA panel subsequently found that his conduct was inappropriate and violent and handed him a two-match ban and a £50,000 fine.

A case of Spanish tax fraud

Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid also brought great legal controversy. Spanish authorities accused him of concealing income from image rights and evading taxes between 2010 and 2014.In January 2019, Ronaldo accepted a 23-month suspended prison sentence and a financial fine of approximately €18.8 million after pleading guilty to four tax offences. The tax evasions at the center of the case allegedly involved around 5.7 million euros.Under Spanish law, prison terms of less than two years in cases of this nature are generally suspended for first offenders. That’s why Ronaldo didn’t serve time in prison.

Allegations of sexual assault against Kathryn Mayorga

In 2018, the report again highlighted the allegations of Kathryn Mayorga, who claimed that Ronaldo sexually assaulted her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.Ronaldo denied the allegations and claimed the encounter was consensual. Prosecutors in Las Vegas ruled in 2019 that there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges.Mayorga subsequently filed a civil suit for damages. In June 2022, a US judge dismissed the case with prejudice after finding serious misconduct by her lawyer, including the use of privileged communications. The dismissal was not a finding of the truth of the underlying charge.

Wayne Rooney’s red card and infamous World Cup wink

One of the most memorable controversies of Ronaldo’s early career came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England.England forward Wayne Rooney was sent off after an incident involving Portuguese defender Ricardo Carvalho in which Rooney stomped on the defender. Ronaldo was seen appealing to the referee, while television cameras subsequently caught him winking towards the Portugal bench after Rooney’s dismissal.The incident sparked outrage among England fans, who accused Ronaldo of celebrating his Manchester United teammate’s sending off and influencing the referee. The episode intensified the scrutiny surrounding the young striker, although Ronaldo did not cause Rooney’s red card.

Obscene gesture towards Saudi supporters

Ronaldo faced disciplinary action in Saudi Arabia in February 2024 following Al-Nassr’s 3–2 league win over Al-Shabab.Videos circulating online showed the Portuguese striker holding his ear and repeatedly moving his hand in front of his pelvic area in what appeared to be a reaction to chants of Lionel Messi’s name from the stands.The gesture drew criticism and sparked a complaint. The Disciplinary Committee of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation subsequently handed Ronaldo a one-match suspension and a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals. He was also ordered to pay 20,000 riyals towards Al-Shabab’s complaint costs.From his World Cup breakout moment and turbulent exit from Manchester United to legal battles and a bitter fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s career has rarely been out of the headlines. His achievements on the pitch remain extraordinary, but these episodes also formed a significant part of the story of one of football’s most famous figures.