Cristiano Ronaldo statue set on fire, police have confirmed an arrest

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s soccer glory continues, his legacy recently suffered a major blow when his bronze sculpture in his hometown of Madeira was torched in an unfortunate vandalism incident.

A video posted on Instagram by “Zaino.tcc.filipe” quickly became viral. It showed a young man pouring a flammable liquid onto a bronze sculpture and then setting it on fire in front of the CR7 Museum in Funchal, Madeira.

As the video progresses, the individual dances in front of the camera before making his exit, sharing the video alongside the cryptic message [translated from Portuguese], “This is God’s last warning.” Originally, not the location of the statue, it was later moved outside the museum after being vandalised by Lionel Messi fans over a decade ago.

Almost two days after the tragic incident, Portuguese authorities have confirmed making an arrest. The Madeira Regional Command of the Public Security Police released a statement related to the incident (quotes shared by Metro UK).

“Following the events that recently occurred near the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo in Funchal, it was possible to successfully resolve the situation. The police authority thanks the public for their contribution, which was also essential to the outcome of this operation,” the statement said.

“The PSP publicly thanks all citizens who, responsibly and promptly, reported the incident and shared relevant information. This collaboration proved crucial for the rapid identification and interception of the individual in question, allowing for effective and proportionate action.”

Ronaldo, 40, currently plays as a forward for the Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, which he joined in 2023 following a successful second spell at his former club, Manchester United. Boasting an impressive match-to-goal ratio, Ronaldo is now targeting the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

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