A statue of renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was set on fire on his native island of Madeira. The incident, which occurred on January 20, 2026, attracted significant media attention and public outrage.
Details of the Incident
The vandal, a young man, filmed himself pouring a flammable liquid over the bronze statue. He then ignited the liquid, resulting in flames engulfing the sculpture outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Footage of this act was subsequently shared on social media, where the perpetrator used the username @zaino.tcc.filipe.
- Location: CR7 Museum, Funchal, Madeira
- Date: January 20, 2026
- Statue: Bronze replica of Cristiano Ronaldo
The Vandal’s Actions
After igniting the statue, the individual performed a dance to music playing from a portable speaker. He provocatively posted a caption stating, “This is God’s last warning,” alongside the video. This bizarre behavior drew rapid criticism from Ronaldo’s fans and the general public.
Response from Authorities
Pulice are actively pursuing the vandal, who has a history of similar offenses. They confirmed the identity of the perpetrator, noting that he was well-known locally. Initial reports suggest that the statue sustained damage, but it quickly diminished after the flames were extinguished.
Public Reactions
The public reaction was swift, with many expressing anger on social media. Critics labeled the stunt unnecessary and reckless, with one comment stating, “What you did was unnecessary and all for likes.” Another follower mentioned that invoking God’s name in this context was in poor taste.
Background on the Statue
The statue, originally unveiled in 2014, honors Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious career. Ronaldo himself expressed pride and joy during the statue’s unveiling ceremony. Earlier, in March 2016, the statue had been relocated after it was previously vandalized by rival fans.
A spokesperson for the CR7 Museum confirmed that local police are handling the incident but did not provide further details. Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, continuing to maintain a strong connection with his homeland.
