Was Cristiano Ronaldo really sentenced to 99 lashes by the Iranian government?

The rumors began after Ronaldo’s visit to Iran in September 2023 for an AFC Champions League match with his club, Al Nassr. During his visit, Ronaldo met Fatemeh Hamami, a talented disabled artist and devoted fan. In a heartwarming moment, Ronaldo hugged Hamami, who had created impressive portraits of him. This interaction was widely shared on social media and praised for its touching nature.

Shortly after the visit, reports emerged claiming that Ronaldo had been sentenced to 99 lashes for hugging an unmarried woman, which is against conservative norms in Iran. These claims quickly spread across social media and various news outlets, causing widespread confusion and concern among fans and the general public.

What did the Iranian government said about the 99 lashes and Cristiano Ronaldo?

The Iranian Embassy in Spain swiftly debunked this notion. They clarified that Iran had not issued any court ruling against any international athlete, including Ronaldo. In fact, Ronaldo visited Iran in September 2023 to play soccer and was warmly received.

The embassy’s official statement on Twitter read: “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran. It is concerning that the publication of such unfounded news can overshadow the real issues and crimes against humanity”

The narrative that Cristiano Ronaldo was sentenced to 99 lashes in Iran is entirely false. It serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before accepting it as true, especially when it pertains to high-profile individuals and sensitive topics. Ronaldo’s interaction with Fatemeh Hamami remains a kind-hearted nature one and the positive impact athletes can have on their fans.