Why Ronaldo sold his Golden Boot caught fire on social media — with many believing Cristiano Ronaldo had auctioned off his Golden Shoe award to help children in Palestine. But after digging into facts, here’s what BraeckBall discovered: there is no credible evidence that Ronaldo ever sold his Golden Boot award or donated it in such a way. It’s a false rumor that’s been debunked repeatedly.
What’s the claim exactly
The argument says that Ronaldo sold one or more of his European Golden Boot awards — sometimes for around €1.4-€1.5 million — and donated all the proceeds to Palestinian children.
It often refers to the Golden Boot(s) given for being the top scorer in a European league season. Ronaldo has won this prize multiple times: in 2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, and 2014-15.
Why the rumor isn’t true
Here are several strong pieces of evidence showing this story is false:
- Independent fact-checking groups have repeatedly investigated the claim and found no proof. No official announcement.
- Lead Stories confirmed that all of Ronaldo’s Golden Boot trophies are still on display at the CR7 Museum in Madeira. They remain in his possession.
- Many versions of this rumor have appeared over the years (2011, 2012, 2018, 2022), and they trace back to unreliable sources, clickbait websites, or images taken out of context.
- When scrutinized, the stories about auctions, donations to Palestine, or selling “all his Golden Boots” are shown to be fabrications or misinterpretations.
Why this myth spread so widely
Even though the claim is false, it gained traction. Here’s how and why:
- Social media: Posts, memes, and images (often manipulated or miscaptioned) spread the idea rapidly.
- Emotional resonance: Many believe in the idea of sports stars making big charitable gestures. The notion that Ronaldo would sell such prized trophies for a humanitarian cause fits with a narrative fans like.
- Lack of verification: Once viral, the claim was often shared without checking official sources.
What we do know about Ronaldo’s charitable acts
While the Golden Boot story is untrue, Cristiano Ronaldo does have documented charitable activities that are verified:
- He has donated significant sums through foundations and partnered organizations to causes including health, disaster relief, and children’s welfare.
- One verified instance: Ronaldo auctioned his 2013 Ballon d’Or trophy, raising money for Make-A-Wish, a charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
And about the Golden Boot itself
To give context, here are facts about the European Golden Boot and Ronaldo’s history with it:
- The European Golden Boot (or Golden Shoe) is awarded each season to the player who scores the most league goals across Europe.
- Ronaldo has won it four times: 2007-08 (Premier League), 2010-11 (La Liga), 2013-14, and 2014-15.
- The awards are physical trophies (Golden Boot statue, etc.), typically kept by the player or the awarding body.
Why people might mix up facts
Here are a few reasons the myth persists and gets mistaken for truth:
- Confusion with other auctions – Ronaldo has sold or auctioned off other memorabilia or trophies (like the Ballon d’Or), which leads people to believe maybe all trophies were treated the same.
- Misleading headlines – Short headlines or post captions do not always provide context; they might imply something that didn’t happen.
- Language barriers and translation mistakes – Rumors often get distorted when translated or shared across countries.
- Desire for inspiring stories – Fans want to believe their hero is making huge sacrifices for good causes; that makes the story emotionally appealing, even if false.
Summary table of claims vs. reality
Claim |
Reality |
Ronaldo sold one or more Golden Boot trophies and donated all proceeds to children in Palestine. |
No evidence. All Golden Boot trophies are still in his possession; multiple fact-checks debunk the rumor. |
The amount was around €1.4-€1.5 million. |
Unverified; likely fabricated or misquoted. |
Ronaldo confirmed or spoke about it publicly. |
No confirmation. |
Conclusion
Why Ronaldo sold his Golden Boot is—quite simply—an imagined story. The Golden Boot awards remain with Ronaldo, and there’s no credible proof he ever sold them or used them for charity in that manner. While CR7’s charitable work is real and well-documented, this particular rumor belongs in the “fake news” category.
If you’re curious about Ronaldo’s real donations, his verified trophies, or want guides on how to separate fact, ask: “Did he actually say that?” or “Is there confirmation from reliable outlets?” And if you like myth-busting, drop a comment or share the article with friends who might’ve believed the rumor!