A shocking incident recently unfolded outside the CR7 Museum complex in Madeira, Portugal, when a statue dedicated to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was deliberately set alight. Local police have launched an investigation and are actively searching for the individual responsible, whose actions have caused significant outrage across the region and online.
The perpetrator, who identified himself on Instagram as “Zaino.tcc.filipe,” brazenly recorded videos of the vandalism, posting them on social media platforms. These disturbing clips, showing the man pouring gasoline on the statue and setting it ablaze, quickly circulated, sparking widespread condemnation across Portuguese media outlets. The individual reportedly uttered phrases such as “This is the last warning from God” before igniting the statue and engaging in provocative behavior, including derogatory remarks, which further intensified public anger.
It has been revealed that the individual is known on Instagram as a choreographer and freestyle dancer, residing in Madeira. Authorities have clarified that the statue targeted in the attack was a replica, which had been relocated outside the CR7 Museum in 2016. The original statue of the renowned footballer, a popular attraction for fans, had been damaged and removed much earlier.
According to the Madeira City Police, the identity of the perpetrator is already known to their team. He is also suspected of having been involved in similar incidents in the past. While an arrest has not yet been made, police officials are closely monitoring the individual’s online activities and other potential actions that could raise further concerns.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a former star striker for major clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus, currently plays for Al Nassr Club in Saudi Arabia. He remains one of the most influential and globally recognized figures in the world of sports, making this act of vandalism particularly notable.
