Cristiano Ronaldo statue set on fire in Portugal

A statue of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been set alight in the Portuguese city of Funchal on the island of Madeira, local media report.

According to the newspaper Correio da Manhã, an unidentified man poured a flammable liquid over the statue, which is located near the footballer’s museum, and set it on fire. The incident was filmed by the suspect and later posted on social media.

Portuguese police have launched an investigation and are searching for the individual responsible for the act of vandalism. No injuries were reported.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, is one of the most celebrated footballers in the sport’s history. He has won the UEFA Champions League five times, claimed the European Championship with Portugal, and lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy twice. At club level, he currently plays for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the attack.