Cristiano Ronaldo’s glittering 23-year international career with Portugal has been defined by extraordinary goalscoring feats, 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 centre of several controversies, both on and off the pitch.As the 41-year-old announced his decision to retire from international football after the November 2026 break, his final months in a Portugal shirt were also marked by a public fallout with coach Jorge Jesus. That episode added another chapter to a career in which Ronaldo’s actions, comments and conduct have repeatedly made headlines.Here are seven major controversies that rocked the Portuguese superstar’s career:
Portugal camp walkout and fallout with Jorge Jesus
One of the most recent controversies came during Portugal’s September 2026 international camp. 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 an agreement had been reached regarding his involvement.The episode prompted an investigation by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). Ronaldo later apologised and said he would accept any punishment the governing body considered appropriate. On October 19, the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary body handed him a 30-day suspension and a fine of 255 euros for leaving the national team camp without permission.The controversy came just weeks before Ronaldo announced his international retirement. While the timing invited questions about whether the fallout had influenced his decision, there was no confirmation that the dispute was the reason behind his announcement.ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo bids emotional farewell to national team; Read full speech
Explosive Piers Morgan interview and Manchester United exit
Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United ended acrimoniously in November 2022 after an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan.In the interview, released in two parts, Ronaldo criticised the club’s hierarchy, questioned its infrastructure and said he felt “betrayed”. He also said he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag, claiming the Dutchman had not shown him respect.The comments sparked a major fallout with United. On November 22, 2022, the club announced that Ronaldo had left by mutual agreement, bringing his second stint at Old Trafford to an abrupt end.
Phone incident involving an Everton supporter
In April 2022, Ronaldo was involved in an incident after Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.As he walked towards the tunnel, the forward slapped a phone out of the hand of a spectator, later identified as a young Everton supporter. Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.Ronaldo admitted that his conduct was improper, but did not admit the allegation of violent conduct. An independent FA commission subsequently found that his actions were both improper and violent, handing him a two-match suspension and a 50,000-pound fine.
Spanish tax fraud case
Ronaldo’s time at Real Madrid also brought a major 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 penalty of approximately 18.8 million euros after admitting four tax offences. The tax evasion at the centre of the case was reported to involve around 5.7 million euros.Under Spanish law, prison sentences of less than two years are generally suspended for first-time offenders in cases of this nature. Ronaldo therefore did not serve time in prison.
Kathryn Mayorga’s sexual assault allegation
In 2018, a report brought renewed attention to an allegation made by Kathryn Mayorga, who claimed Ronaldo had sexually assaulted her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009.Ronaldo denied the allegation, maintaining that the encounter was consensual. Prosecutors in Las Vegas decided in 2019 that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.Mayorga subsequently filed a civil lawsuit seeking 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 on the truth of the underlying allegation.
Wayne Rooney’s red card and the 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 Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, during which Rooney stamped 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 triggered outrage among English supporters, who accused Ronaldo of celebrating his Manchester United teammate’s sending-off and influencing the referee. The episode intensified the scrutiny surrounding the young forward, although Ronaldo did not cause Rooney’s red card.
Obscene gesture towards Saudi supporters
Ronaldo faced disciplinary action in Saudi Arabia in February 2024 after Al-Nassr’s 3-2 league victory over Al-Shabab.Videos circulating online showed the Portuguese forward cupping his ear and repeatedly moving his hand in front of his pelvic area in what appeared to be a response to chants of Lionel Messi’s name from the stands.The gesture drew criticism and prompted a complaint. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s disciplinary committee 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 a World Cup flashpoint and a turbulent Manchester United exit to legal battles and a bitter fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, Ronaldo’s career has rarely been short of headlines. His achievements on the pitch remain extraordinary, but these episodes have also formed a significant part of the story surrounding one of football’s most celebrated figures.
