Police in Madeira are searching for a vandal who filmed himself setting fire to a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo outside the CR7 Museum in Funchal, posting the act on social media as authorities moved swiftly to identify the suspect.
The incident unfolded early on Tuesday when the individual poured flammable liquid over the 11 foot sculpture and ignited it, briefly engulfing the statue in flames before retreating as the fire subsided. The footage was later shared online, triggering widespread anger among Ronaldo supporters.
The statue, unveiled by Ronaldo in 2014, stands near the CR7 Museum on the forward’s home island and has long been a landmark for visiting fans. While the Portugal captain now plays in the Saudi Pro League, his influence in Madeira remains significant, making the attack particularly sensitive.
The setting was a quiet morning in Funchal, broken by the sudden flare of fire in front of the museum. With no crowd present, the vandal appeared to stage the act for the camera, adding music and movement as the flames briefly took hold of the bronze figure.
The suspect recorded the entire sequence himself before uploading it to Instagram with a cryptic religious warning. Police sources later confirmed the individual is known locally due to previous incidents, though he has not yet been apprehended.
As the fire was lit, flames climbed rapidly across the statue’s surface but appeared to die down quickly, leaving uncertainty over whether any lasting damage was caused. Officials have not confirmed the condition of the sculpture.
Attention quickly shifted from the act itself to the online reaction, with fans condemning the vandalism and calling for firm action. Museum representatives declined detailed comment, stating only that the matter is now with the authorities.
The episode revived memories of earlier attacks on Ronaldo-related monuments in Madeira, including a previous defacing that forced the statue to be relocated in 2016 after rival fans targeted it.
With the suspect identified and police continuing their search, the focus now turns to accountability and restoration. The outcome will determine how the island protects one of its most recognisable symbols while reaffirming Ronaldo’s enduring bond with Madeira.
