Cristiano Ronaldo statue vandalized in Portugal: not the first time it has happened
The incident took place in the Portuguese star’s hometown, on the island of Madeira.
A shocking act of vandalism has sent shockwaves through Funchal, the capital of Madeira and birthplace of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. In the early hours of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the iconic statue guarding the entrance to the CR7 Museum was set on fire. The perpetrator not only committed the arson but filmed the entire ordeal, later uploading it to social media, sparking international fury among fans and local authorities alike.
The life-size bronze figure is the most recognizable symbol of the Museu CR7, a landmark inaugurated in 2013 that houses Ronaldo's five Ballons d'Or, historic jerseys, and a collection of trophies that trace his legendary career from Sporting CP to Al-Nassr. For over a decade, the statue has been a mandatory stop for millions of tourists who visit the island to pay homage to its most famous son.
The Attack: A "Chilling" Social Media Stunt
The viral video, which circulated rapidly on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), showed a young man dousing the sculpture in flammable liquid. The suspect, identifying himself as @zaino.tcc.filipe, was seen performing a bizarre dance to rap music as the flames engulfed the figure of the 40-year-old striker.
Despite the suspect pixelating his face in the initial footage, he openly took credit for the attack on his profile, where he describes himself as a "freestyler, a local man, and a human being." Perhaps the most disturbing element was the caption accompanying the video: “This is God’s final warning.” This cryptic and messianic message has caused significant concern among psychological experts and security officials, who are investigating the true motives behind this targeted act of aggression.
History of Vandalism at the CR7 Museum
This is not the first time the image of the "Commander" has been targeted in Funchal. In 2016, a previous version of the statue was vandalized with red paint following a Ballon d'Or ceremony where Lionel Messi was a protagonist. That incident led to the relocation and eventual replacement of the monument. The current bronze replica was supposed to be a more durable tribute, making this arson attack particularly painful for a community that views Ronaldo as a pillar of their cultural and economic identity.
Legal Fallout and Swift Justice
The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police moved quickly to address the situation. By Thursday morning, authorities confirmed that the suspect—already known to police for previous minor offenses—had been identified and arrested.
- Potential Charges: The individual faces severe penalties for the destruction of public property and damaging a cultural landmark.
- Cultural Impact: Given that the museum is a private entity of immense public interest, the legal consequences could include heavy fines and prison time.
Current Status of the Museum
While the statue suffered visible surface damage from the flames and the flammable chemicals used, the museum remains open to the public. Security has been significantly reinforced with 24-hour patrols and new surveillance technology to ensure that the treasures inside—including Ronaldo's European Championship medals—remain safe.
The global Madridista and Al-Nassr fanbases have flooded social media with messages of support for the player and his family. For the people of Madeira, this wasn't just an attack on a piece of bronze; it was an insult to their pride. As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares for his potential final World Cup appearance later this summer, Funchal stands united in the hope that their "Eternal Captain" will soon have a restored monument worthy of his legacy.
