Cristiano Ronaldo statue torched in Portugal, police launch hunt for vandals

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday morning at the CR7 Museum, which celebrates Ronaldo’s career in his hometown. A video posted by an Instagram user under the name zaino.tcc.filipe shows a man pouring a flammable liquid over the bronze statue before setting it alight.

The flames burned briefly before going out, and the statue does not appear to have suffered serious damage. After the fire, the man is seen dancing in front of the statue while playing music from a portable speaker.

The video was shared with the caption "This is God's last warning." and has attracted hundreds of reactions. The account appears to belong to a freestyle dancer who often posts videos of himself dancing in public places. However, the incident sparked anger among viewers.

One comment read: "I usually really like your energy, but this time I think it's a bit unnecessary... I unfollowed you! Using God’s name in these types of actions I just hope there is no retaliation from Him".

Another comment said: "You PT son, they're going to make you like a drug addict, they're going to treat you in a mental health center, that's what you need, you're going to become famous, for the worst reasons, ignorant and envious, mentally retarded".

Sources in Portugal said police have identified the suspect but have so far been unable to locate him. Despite the investigation, the individual has continued to post videos on social media, mostly filmed at home.

This is not the first time a statue of Ronaldo has been targeted. In 2016, the same statue was vandalised when someone painted Lionel Messi’s name and the number 10 on it, shortly after the Argentine won his fifth Ballon d’Or.

After that, Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro spoke out about the disrepects for her brother. She said: 'I find the act in itself a dishonour but what I find more shameful is the envy that surrounds him and the rage that some unloved and frustrated fatheads display in public in a disgraceful way which leaves me as a Portuguese person ashamed and sad.

'The people that are responsible for this and other negative things directed towards this person should know that our island was recently voted the world's leading island destination not just for the beautiful sea that surrounds us or for our marvellous gastronomy or even the warm Madeiran welcome. It was in part thanks to this great Madeiran figure that honours his origins.'