5 famous footballers who were involved in sex scandals

The ongoing investigation into Mason Greenwood girlfriend Harriet Robson’s serious allegations of sexual assault has once again brought the spotlight on a footballer’s career.

Here are 5 other famous footballers who were embroiled in sex-abuse scandals:

Cristiano Ronaldo:

CR7 who is currently playing for Manchester United is one of the biggest names in the football world. People have admired the Portuguese star and despite serious allegations levelled against him fans continue to love him.

In 2018, inspired by the #MeToo movement an American woman, Kathryn Mayorga accused Ronaldo of raping her in his Penthouse in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. She also said that she was paid for keeping quiet.

The ace footballer who was then a Manchester United player denied her claims and said that the sex was consensual. While the criminal charges have been dropped a civil case to overturn the settlement is still going on.

Neymar Jr:

The Paris Saint Germain hero Neymar Jr has been accused of rape after a woman in Paris accused him of ‘forced sex’ in 2019.

Neymar later released a video on his social media account to clear the ‘unjust accusations’ where he said nothing really happened. While the investigations were on, the 29-year-old footballer was preparing for Copa America. The case was later dropped due to a lack of evidence.

Diego Maradona:

One of the most controversial figures in the football world, Diego Maradona was also accused in 2 rape cases. A female journalist in 2017 accused the late Argentine player of behaving indecently with her. While she had asked Maradona for an interview, the footballer forcibly pulled off her dress, and when she refused he kicked her out of his luxury apartment.

Later in 2021, a Cuban woman alleged that Maradona had raped her when she was 16 years old in 2001. Mavys Alvarez, who said she was in a 5-year long relationship with him accused him of sexual assault and physical violence. She also said that Maradona who was 40 at that time had forced her into drug addiction.

Benjamin Mendy:

The Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy who was recently released from prison on bail has been charged with raping and sexually assaulting 7 women between Oct 2020 and August 2021.

The 27-year-old was arrested in August 2021. The Premier League club suspended the French player following the arrest.

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney who played for Manchester United has had a scandalous past. The English footballer has faced several allegations of infidelity while his wife Coleen Rooney was pregnant. From romping with prostitutes at the age of 16 to having a threesome, Rooney has accepted all his deeds. Coleen Rooney who has ‘forgiven’ her husband has also spoken openly about the 36-year-old's past. Rooney is now the football manager for Derby County.