A shocking and bizarre incident has rocked the football world after a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo was set on fire outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal, Madeira.
Local police have launched a manhunt for a suspect who not only carried out the act but also filmed and posted it on social media, accompanied by a disturbing message that has sparked widespread outrage.
Statue Targeted In Disturbing Arson Stunt
The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the vandal was captured on camera pouring flammable liquid over the 11-foot bronze statue of the Al Nassr and Portugal legend. Moments later, the statue was set ablaze as flames briefly engulfed the sculpture.
As the fire burned, the individual bizarrely stepped back and danced to loud rap music, turning what should have been a criminal scene into a disturbing performance.
The statue, unveiled by Ronaldo himself in 2014, stands as a symbol of pride on the football icon’s home island and is a major tourist attraction for fans from around the world.
Ominous Instagram Message Sparks Fury
After the act, the vandal uploaded the video to Instagram, identifying himself as a “freestyler and local man.” The caption, however, raised alarm:
“This is God’s last warning.”
The post quickly went viral, drawing fierce backlash from Ronaldo’s fans, many of whom condemned the act as attention-seeking, disrespectful, and dangerous.
Fortunately, the flames appeared to die down quickly, and it remains unclear whether the statue suffered any permanent damage.
Police Confirm Suspect Identified
Authorities in Madeira have confirmed that the suspect has already been identified and is known to police for previous incidents. However, at the time of reporting, he has not yet been apprehended.
A spokesperson for the CR7 Museum stated that the case is now fully in the hands of the police and declined further comment.
Not The First Time The Statue Has Been Targeted
This is not the first controversy involving the Ronaldo statue. In 2016, it was relocated after being vandalised by supporters of Lionel Messi, highlighting how Ronaldo’s global fame continues to attract both admiration and unwanted attention.
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the most recognisable athletes in world sport, and incidents like this underline the darker side of fame in the social media age. While fans worldwide continue to celebrate his legacy, authorities in Portugal are now focused on ensuring accountability and protecting one of Madeira’s most iconic landmarks.
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