Australia’s World Cup star Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice in one night

Australia’s Cristian Volpato reacts during the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match against Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) Australian international Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped by police twice overnight for speeding in Sydney, just days after representing the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was first stopped late on Thursday night before being pulled over again less than two hours later when police claimed he had a positive roadside drug test for cocaine.The incident comes shortly after Volpato featured in Australia’s World Cup campaign, switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia earlier this year before making three appearances at the tournament.

Stopped by twice in the same night

According to reports, New South Wales Police said Volpato was first stopped at approximately 11.05pm on Thursday as he drove his BMW Coupe across Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.Police say he was going 86km/h to 94km/h in a 60km/h zone.A roadside breath test came back negative and Volpat was issued a speeding citation before he could continue driving.However, at around 1.10am on Friday, officers stopped the midfielder again in the same area after allegedly recording his vehicle traveling at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone – almost twice the legal limit.After the second stop, Volpato submitted to a roadside drug test, which reportedly tested positive for cocaine.The police subsequently collected a secondary sample of oral fluid, which was sent for further laboratory analysis to confirm the result.His international driver’s license was suspended for six months.

Australia’s Cristian Volpato arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 32 match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

Authorities have not announced any criminal charges related to the alleged drug result pending confirmation of the secondary test.Volpato representatives have been contacted for comment.

The World Cup campaign came after an international exchange

The midfielder only recently completed his first senior FIFA World Cup after opting to represent Australia instead of Italy.Born and raised in Sydney, Volpato developed through the youth systems of Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before moving to Europe as a teenager.He later came through Roma’s academy before breaking through in Serie A.

FILE – Sassuolo’s Cristian Volpato controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, December 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

Sassuolo signed the attacking midfielder in 2023, where he has since scored seven goals in three seasons.Volpato represented Italy at under-19 and under-20 level before committing his future to Australia.Back in March, he admitted that he was still waiting for senior Italy after progressing through the youth teams. However, when Italy ultimately failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder switched allegiance and accepted Australia’s invitation.

Tournament appearances for Australia

Volpato made three appearances during Australia’s North American World Championships.He was an unused substitute as the Socceroos opened the tournament with a 2-0 win over Turkey before coming off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to the United States.The 22-year-old then started Australia’s goalless draw with Paraguay before also featuring in the Round of 32 tie against Egypt.The Australian tournament ended after losing to Egypt in a penalty shootout, Volpato replaced before extra time.The midfielder was considered one of Australia’s brightest talents following his decision to represent the Socceroos, making the latest allegations an unwelcome development for both player and country.