Madeira Mockery: Ronaldo Statue Sets Fire to Internet Fury
21 January 2026
Portuguese police are chasing a vandal who set fire to Cristiano Ronaldo's statue in Madeira, Ronaldo's birthplace, and posted a video of the stunt online.
According to The Sun, the man filmed himself pouring a flammable liquid on the bronze statue of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, then set it alight.
He then began dancing wildly to blasting rap music played from a speaker he brought for the occasion.
The video was posted on his Instagram with the caption: "This is Ronaldo's last warning from God".
It remains unclear whether the statue, moved from another spot on the island in March 2016 after damage by Messi fans, has suffered permanent damage.
Initially the flames consumed the statue entirely, but they soon died out.
A CR7 Museum spokesperson said police were handling the incident, and added: "We have nothing more to add at this stage".
Bottom line: even statues deserve a quiet day off. Some fans overreact.
