Cristiano Ronaldo is more than just a footballer. He is a global icon whose influence extends far beyond the football field—reaching fashion, popular culture, and even public art. For years, Ronaldo has been immortalized in sculptures made of bronze and even chocolate, scattered across cities on every continent.
These statues are not merely tributes to his footballing achievements, but also reflections of how different cultures celebrate sporting legends through art. From permanent bronze monuments in Portugal to unusual chocolate sculptures, each statue tells a unique story.
Below are six famous Cristiano Ronaldo statues from around the world, including their location, materials, artistic context, and cultural significance.
CR7 Statue – Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Location: CR7 Square, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Material: Bronze
Year of Unveiling: 2014
Sculptor: Ricardo Velosa
Type: Permanent Public Monument
The most famous Cristiano Ronaldo statue stands in his hometown of Funchal, facing the CR7 Museum. This life-size bronze sculpture captures Ronaldo’s confident posture, symbolizing ambition, discipline, and success.
Unveiled in 2014, the statue quickly became a pilgrimage site for football fans. Tourists frequently take photos next to the statue, making it one of Madeira’s most iconic landmarks. Adjacent to the museum, the statue not only solidifies Ronaldo’s status as a global superstar but also highlights his image as a source of pride for Madeira.
This statue represents the gold standard of sports monuments, combining realism, durability, and strong emotional value.
Interesting Story:
Beyond its official commemorative status, the CR7 bronze sculpture has evolved into a unique fan culture phenomenon. For a long time, fans from around the world have visited and often touch certain parts of the sculpture, especially the legs or the front of the body, hoping to “get good luck” or symbolically gain football inspiration.
This spontaneous interaction has left noticeable polishing marks on the sculpture’s surface, reflecting its immense popularity. For many fans, this sculpture is not just a work of art but also a ritualistic object of pilgrimage, reinforcing its place in popular culture.
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport Bust – Madeira, Portugal
Location: Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Madeira
Material: Bronze
Year of Unveiling: 2017
Sculptor: Emmanuel Santos
Type: Public Bust (later replaced)
This bust quickly became a global sensation due to its “similarity controversy.” After its unveiling, its exaggerated facial expression sparked extensive discussion on social media, becoming a hot phenomenon.
Despite the ongoing controversy, it also proves that the influence of public art sometimes stems precisely from the discussion and disagreement itself. The bust was later replaced by a new version, but the original has become a highly representative case in the history of modern sports sculpture.
This case demonstrates that public art does not need universal recognition to become iconic—sometimes, controversy itself can ensure its enduring appeal.
The Golden Cristiano Ronaldo Statue – Goa, India
Location: Karangut Beach, Goa, India
Material: Bronze with gold finish
Unveiling Date: 2021
Type: Outdoor Public Sculpture
This golden statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, located near Karangut Beach in Goa, India, depicts him wearing a Portuguese national team jersey. It aims to celebrate the growing popularity of football in India and reflect Ronaldo’s global influence beyond Europe.
Goa was a Portuguese colony until its incorporation into India in 1961, and Portuguese culture still holds complex and sensitive symbolic meaning there. Public reaction has been polarized: supporters see it as a sporting icon to inspire young athletes; critics argue that it inadvertently evokes memories of colonial history and touches on cultural sensitivities.
The statue transcends the realm of sports, becoming a focal point of discussion about public art, historical memory, cultural identity, and colonial legacy. It demonstrates how sports monuments can carry multiple social and cultural meanings within a specific historical context.
Temporary Cristiano Ronaldo Statue – Times Square, New York, USA
Location: Times Square, New York City
Material: Bronze
Sculptor: Sergio Furnari
Size: High 3.6 to 3.7 M
Year Displayed: 2025
Type: Temporary art installation
Unlike traditional monuments, this large-scale Ronaldo statue was created as a temporary installation in Times Square to celebrate his 40th birthday. Designed for fan interaction and media exposure, it reflects modern celebrity culture more than classical sculpture traditions.
The colorful statue attracted massive crowds and online attention, proving Ronaldo’s commercial and cultural influence in non-football-centric countries. Although not permanent, its impact was immediate and global.
This installation highlights a modern trend: sports statues as experiential and media-driven artworks rather than long-term monuments.
Cristiano Ronaldo Golden Bronze Statue – Portugal
Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Material: Bronze with gold finish
Type: Monumental outdoor sculpture
This golden bronze statue commemorates Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s greatest footballer of all time. The statue depicts him wearing the Portuguese national team jersey and holding the Portuguese flag aloft – a powerful symbol of national pride.
Large numbers of fans often gather around the statue to take photos, celebrating Ronaldo’s status as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time). The heroic pose, combined with the golden finish, elevates the statue beyond realism to symbolism, portraying Ronaldo as a national icon, not just an athlete.
This statue demonstrates how the choice of material and the pose can transform a sporting figure into a legendary icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo Chocolate Statue – Funchal, Portugal
Location: CR7 Museum in Funchal, Portugal
Material: Chocolate
Sculptor: Cardoso
Weight: Approximately 120 kg
Year Unveiled: 2020
Type: Exhibition / promotional sculpture
Perhaps the most unconventional Cristiano Ronaldo statue ever created, this sculpture was made entirely from chocolate. Weighing around 120 kilograms, it attracted global media attention for its creativity and novelty.
Unlike bronze monuments, this sculpture belongs to the world of edible art and promotional exhibitions. It demonstrates how Ronaldo’s image transcends traditional sculpture materials and enters pop culture, branding, and experimental art.
This chocolate statue proves that iconic figures can be reinterpreted through unexpected materials, expanding the boundaries of what sports sculpture can be.
Comparison Table: Cristiano Ronaldo Statues Worldwide
| Statue | Location | Material | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR7 Bronze Statue | Madeira, Portugal | Bronze | Permanent |
| Airport Bust | Madeira, Portugal | Bronze | Replaced |
| Golden Statue | Goa, India | Bronze | Permanent |
| Times Square Statue | New York, USA | Bronze | Temporary |
| Golden Bronze Monument | Madeira, Portugal | Bronze (Gold Finish) | Permanent |
| Chocolate Statue | Madeira, Portugal | Chocolate | Exhibition |
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Has So Many Statues？
Cristiano Ronaldo’s statues are not only because of the trophies he won, but also because he represents:
- Global sporting excellence
- Cultural influence across continents
- Commercial and artistic inspiration
Each statue reflects the different ways societies choose to celebrate greatness—through permanence, experimentation, controversy, or grand spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Cristiano Ronaldo statues are there in the world?
There are no official statistics, but there are many permanent and temporary statues throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.
Where is the most famous Cristiano Ronaldo statue located?
The bronze statue in Funchal, Madeira, is widely considered the most iconic.
Are all Cristiano Ronaldo statues made of bronze?
No. While bronze is common, Ronaldo’s statues have also been made of chocolate.
Why do some Ronaldo statues spark controversy?
Public expectations, cultural background, and artistic interpretation often influence how well people accept these statues.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo statues are more than just decorations; they embody modern sports culture, public memory, and artistic expression. From classical bronze monuments to experimental chocolate sculptures, these works demonstrate how an athlete’s legend transcends materials, cultures, and regions, inspiring creativity.
