Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged victorious from a protracted legal battle with his former club Juventus, securing a multi-million pound payout after a court upheld a ruling in his favour.
The Core of the Wage Dispute
The conflict stems from agreements made during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In March 2020 and April 2021, Juventus players, including Ronaldo, agreed to defer four months of their salaries to assist the club during a period of severe financial strain. This measure was part of so-called 'salary manoeuvres'.
Ronaldo's claim centred on a promised net sum of £17 million that was never received. The Portuguese forward, who played for the Italian giants between 2018 and 2021, subsequently took legal action to recover the funds.
Court Proceedings and the Final Verdict
An initial arbitration last year found that both parties shared responsibility, ordering Juventus to pay half of the claimed amount—approximately £8.5 million. Dissatisfied with this outcome, Juventus launched an appeal to the Turin Labour Court.
However, that appeal has now been rejected. Labour judge Gian Luca Robaldo confirmed the original verdict, leaving Juventus unable to recoup the sum. According to reports, the Serie A club had already accounted for this potential liability in their 2023-24 budget, mitigating the immediate financial impact.
Italian media, including Gazzetta Dello Sport, suggest Juventus could still pursue a further appeal, though the latest ruling represents a significant setback for the club.
Ronaldo's Legacy and Current Career
During his three-year stint in Turin, Ronaldo was a prolific scorer, netting 101 goals in 134 matches. He helped the team secure two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia before his £12.8 million return to Manchester United in 2021.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who turns 41 next month, now plies his trade for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. This legal victory concludes a notable chapter of his storied career, underscoring the complex financial agreements that often operate behind the scenes in top-level football.
