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Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged victorious in a legal dispute against his former club, Juventus, concerning nearly €20 million (£17m/$21m) in frozen wages. The saga unfolded as Ronaldo took Juventus to court over unpaid wages during the Covid-19 pandemic, a move that has now resulted in a significant legal victory for the veteran player.
Ronaldo's legal battle stemmed from a decision by Juventus players to defer four months' worth of salaries in March 2020 and April 2021, as the club encountered financial challenges. While agreements were reached with individual squad members, Ronaldo pursued legal action to claim his deferred wages, amounting to £17.15m ($21.3m). La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the 39-year-old football star has succeeded in his pursuit, with Juventus obligated to fulfill their financial commitment.
Juventus, however, faced a financial setback as they had not budgeted for the disputed amount, raising concerns about potential implications for the club's financial stability. The resolution of Ronaldo's case raises questions about the financial obligations Juventus may face in similar disputes with other players. Notably, Roma forward Paulo Dybala had previously reached an agreement with Juventus in 2023 over similar wage disputes, underscoring the broader necessity of such legal actions within the football industry.
Ronaldo's tenure at Juventus saw remarkable achievements, including scoring 101 goals in 134 appearances across all competitions. Following his departure from Juventus, Ronaldo embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. Despite the legal battle with his former club, Ronaldo continues to showcase his football prowess, with recent performances in the Saudi Pro League capturing attention.