The statue of Cristiano Ronaldo is not only a tribute to his outstanding football achievements, but also a symbol of the sportsmanship of perseverance, self-discipline and global influence. As one of the most representative football idols of our time, Ronaldo Statue has inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams and has become a symbolic memorial connecting sports and culture, local and world.
Introduction to Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, full name Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, was born on February 5, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. He is one of the most outstanding football players of the contemporary era, known for his outstanding goal-scoring ability, extraordinary physical fitness and strong professionalism.
Career introduction
- Starting point of career: Ronaldo debuted at Sporting CP, was signed by Premier League giant Manchester United in 2003, and quickly became famous.
- Brilliant achievements: He has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Represented the Portuguese national team to win the 2016 European Cup and the 2019 European Nations League.
- Many honors: Won the Ballon d’Or five times, became the top scorer in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and the Champions League many times, and scored more than 850 goals in his career.
- Personal characteristics: fast speed, high jumping ability (strong heading ability), balanced left and right feet, accurate penalty kicks. His iconic celebration action “Siiuuu” has become a cultural symbol known to fans around the world.
In addition to his football achievements, Ronaldo has also become a world-renowned public figure for his business acumen, philanthropic deeds and muscular body. He has a very high popularity on social media, is a darling of the advertising endorsement industry, and also has his own brand “CR7”.
The following are four Ronaldo Statues created in memory of Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo Bust
When was the Ronaldo statue made?
The bust was unveiled on March 29, 2017, the day of the renaming of Madeira Airport to “Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport”.
Who is the sculptor of Ronaldo statue?
The statue was created by Emanuel Santos. He said it took him three weeks to make it and he wanted to express Ronaldo’s optimism through his work.
Emanuel Santos is a Portuguese sculptor who was born and raised on the island of Madeira. Before becoming a sculptor, he worked as a cleaner at Madeira International Airport. After that, he taught himself sculpture skills and gradually entered the field of artistic creation.
He mainly works on portrait sculptures and is good at using traditional sculpture materials and techniques, including clay modeling and metal casting.
What happened to the Ronaldo statue?
As soon as the statue was unveiled, it caused great controversy on social media. Many people pointed out that its appearance was too different from Ronaldo, and even felt that it was “funny” and “unrecognizable”. The statue quickly became an online meme, and was reported by the global media, and even became the object of ridicule and imitation. Despite the criticism, Emanuel Santos once said: “Cristiano Ronaldo himself smiled and expressed satisfaction after seeing the statue.”
Is the Ronaldo statue still there?
No longer. The controversial bust was quietly removed in 2018 and is no longer on display at Madeira International Airport.
Did they replace the Ronaldo statue?
Yes, the Ronaldo airport statue was replaced in 2018. The new statue was not created by the original author Emanuel Santos, and the identity of the specific sculptor has not been made public.
Did Sculptor Emanuel Santos Ever Redo the Ronaldo Statue?
Yes, sculptor Emanuel Santos did recreate a bust of Ronaldo after the original work caused controversy. In 2017, the first version of the bronze statue he created for Madeira Airport was ridiculed worldwide because it looked very different from Ronaldo, and became a hotly discussed “meme” on the Internet. In response to criticism, Santos said he was trying to express the spirit of the character rather than a photo-like reproduction. In response to public doubts, he was invited by Bleacher Report in 2018 to create a second version of the statue in its documentary “The Champions: Ronaldo’s Redemption”. This new work is closer to Ronaldo himself in terms of facial proportions, expression and overall restoration, and has received more positive reviews. But it is worth noting that this new version of the statue was not installed at Madeira Airport, but appeared in the documentary as an artistic response.
Statue of Ronaldo
Where is the CR7 statue?
The CR7 statue is located in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, specifically in the square in front of the CR7 Museum (Museu CR7). The statue is a full-body bronze statue, unveiled on December 21, 2014, created by sculptor Ricardo Madeira Veloso. The statue is upright and wears a jersey and shorts, showing Ronaldo’s representative image as a football player.
Why is there a statue of Ronaldo in Madeira?
Because Madeira is the hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo. He was born in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, in 1985 and is one of the most outstanding sports figures in Madeira. The local government and the CR7 Museum set up this statue to honor Ronaldo’s outstanding contribution to international football and his global influence as a Madeiran. The statue has also become one of the important landmarks in Funchal, attracting fans from all over the world to take photos and visit.
Appearance of the statue
- Material: Bronze
- Height: Approximately 3.4 meters (8 feet)
- Weight: Approximately 800 kilograms
- Style: Realistic style, steady posture
- Detailed description: The Ronaldo Statue depicts Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the Portuguese national team jersey, standing upright with arms naturally relaxed. The facial expression is firm, the eyes focused, and the hairstyle sculpted with clear, three-dimensional detail. The body proportions are balanced and athletic.
- Base inscription: Engraved with “Melhor Jogador do Mundo” (World’s Best Player)
Ronaldo Statue Gets Shiny from Touch?
Yes, this Ronaldo statue has indeed become shiny due to frequent touches by tourists. This bronze statue in front of the CR7 Museum in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, has attracted a large number of fans to take photos and interact since its unveiling in 2014. In particular, the hands, thighs and crotch of the statue have been touched by a large number of tourists, and the copper surface has gradually lost its original oxide layer, showing obvious bright areas.
Cristiano Ronaldo statue in Goa
Where is Cristiano Ronaldo’s golden statue?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s golden statue is located in Calangute Beach, Goa, India, and was unveiled in December 2021. The statue was set up by the local government to encourage young people to participate in football. Although it is called the “golden statue”, the statue is not actually made of gold, but is sprayed with gold, giving it a metallic gold texture.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo famous in India?
Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is very famous in India, especially among young people and football enthusiasts. Although cricket is the number one sport in India, football also has a wide mass base in some regions (such as Goa, Kerala, West Bengal, etc.), and Ronaldo is very popular in India because of his skills, image and global influence.
Appearance of the statue
- Material: The Ronaldo Statue is made of bronze.
- Posture design: It shows Ronaldo in the air with the ball, with his right leg raised and arms open, and the action is very dynamic.
- Clothing style: He is wearing a Real Madrid jersey, and the details of the jersey and shoes are exquisitely depicted, reflecting a realistic style.
- Muscles and proportions: The muscle lines are tight, the facial features are three-dimensional, the proportions of the statue are coordinated, and it has a visual impact.
- Ball performance: The football under his feet jumps high, implying the combination of control and explosive power.
- Statue weight: about 410 kilograms.
Controversy over Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue in Goa.
1. Colonial historical background triggers disgust
- Goa was colonized by Portugal for more than 450 years and was not returned to India until 1961.
- The unveiling of the Ronaldo Statue coincided with the 60th anniversary of Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule, which aroused strong dissatisfaction among some people.
- Critics believe that erecting a statue of a Portuguese football player at this historical moment is disrespectful to local independence fighters.
2. Lack of local representation
- Some people question why India’s own football heroes are not established to inspire local young people.
- Samir Naik, former Indian national team player and coach of Dempo SC Goa, was considered a more suitable candidate for the statue.
3. Strong opposition from right-wingers
Activist Guru Shirodkar called the move “blasphemous” and insulting the Goan heroes who fought for freedom.
4. Government response
Politician Michael Lobo said the statue was set up at the request of young people to inspire them to love football and strive for excellence.
Cristiano Ronaldo Statue
Where is the Ronaldo statue in NYC?
The statue was once publicly displayed in Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, USA, in one of the busiest and most visited areas of the city.
Why is there a Ronaldo statue in NYC?
This statue was created to celebrate Ronaldo’s 40th birthday (February 2025) and was designed by Italian-American sculptor Sergio Furnari. The statue was not established by the government or the club, but was a “world tour” tribute project initiated by the artist to recognize Ronaldo’s status in football history and global influence.
Is the Ronaldo statue in Times Square permanent?
No. This is a temporary art statue placed on a modified truck and touring the city. Its display form is similar to installation art, and it is not fixed in Times Square, so it is not a permanent public art work.
Why did Ronaldo get a statue in New York?
Although Ronaldo does not play in the American league, his global popularity makes him a cultural symbol that transcends national boundaries. As a world-class city, New York is a focal area for art and media. The artist chose to display it here to emphasize Ronaldo’s international influence and spread his sportsmanship through the statue.
Appearance of the statue
- Material: Bronze
- Size: Approximately 12 feet tall (approximately 3.6 meters)
- Weight: Undisclosed
- Style: Realistic style, with vivid details, reflecting the strength and posture of the athlete.
- Color: The Ronaldo Statue is painted in the colors of the Portuguese flag – green, red and gold, which enhances the cultural symbolism.
- Truck-type monument: The statue is installed on a truck to facilitate the tour.
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