Madeira Inferno: Ronaldo Statue Set Ablaze as Police Hunt Suspect

Background

Portuguese police are hunting a man who filmed himself setting fire to Cristiano Ronaldo’s bronze statue in Madeira, Ronaldo’s birthplace, near the CR7 Museum in Funchal.

The incident was documented in a clip that circulated on Instagram, showing the suspect dousing the statue with a flammable liquid and lighting it with a lighter. The man appears to be dealing with mental health issues, according to reports cited by the Daily Mail.

As flames briefly engulfed the bronze sculpture, the man danced to loud rap music blasting from a nearby speaker. The video was shot near the CR7 Museum in the capital of Madeira and has drawn swift criticism from Ronaldo fans online.

The police say they have identified the person responsible but have not yet arrested him. The incident has raised questions about the statue’s future and the protections in place for public monuments. The statue was moved to its current location near the CR7 Museum about a decade ago after a prior vandalism by Messi supporters, a fact noted by observers.

In the Instagram post accompanying the clip, the suspect wrote, “these are God’s final warnings,” a line that many found disturbing or unnecessary. Critics urged restraint and warned against turning a public figure into a symbol for shock value. It remains unclear whether the statue sustained lasting damage, since the flames were extinguished quickly. Ronaldo fans expressed outrage online, while authorities continued their investigation.

As one Daily Mail commenter asked, “Do you think what you did was good? It seems unnecessary, all for likes.” Another added, “I usually admire your energy, but this time it’s taking it too far… I have unfollowed you.” The incident underscores the intense emotions around Ronaldo’s legacy in Madeira.

Note: The statue’s relocation to its current site near the CR7 Museum occurred about ten years ago after a previous attack by Messi supporters.

Punchlines just for the internet: If you’re chasing virality, maybe try a dance challenge instead of a dangerous stunt. And remember, some flames belong on the stage, not in a public square—leave the bonfires to the fans and the BBQs to the roasters.