Cristiano Ronaldo remains the last player to have scored a hat-trick for Juventus in Serie A, a distinction that endures even as the financial repercussions of his time in Turin continue to unfold.
The lingering effects of Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus in 2018, and his subsequent departure for Manchester United in 2021, are still being adjudicated. A dispute over unpaid wages from his final season with the club is scheduled to be resolved by a verdict expected in early January 2026, according to arbitration proceedings.
The financial implications of Ronaldo’s signing are now itemized in Juventus’ accounting as “the Ex Registered Player,” a designation reflecting a €14 million loss related to his second spell with Manchester United. The club is still contending with the fallout from a salary reduction agreement implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ronaldo claiming nearly €20 million in unpaid wages, plus interest.
Juventus initially appealed an award made in the dispute, paying half the amount while simultaneously challenging the decision. Ronaldo countered by requesting the rejection of the appeal and seeking the full amount owed. The case was adjourned in March 2025, with a final ruling anticipated in January 2026.
The ongoing arbitration is one of several similar cases Juventus has faced with former players regarding outstanding wages, but it is by far the most prominent. The dispute centers on deferred wage agreements introduced during the pandemic, and the outcome could have significant financial consequences for the club.
During his three seasons with Juventus, Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 appearances across all competitions, providing 20 assists. He registered a goal contribution every 95 minutes. His Serie A statistics include 29 goals from 34 penalty attempts, one goal from a free kick, six goals scored from outside the box, and 65 goals scored from inside the box. He scored 21 goals with his left foot, 62 with his right, and 18 headers.
Despite his prolific goal-scoring record, Juventus’ financial reports now refer to him simply as “the Former Player,” highlighting the complex legacy of his time with the club. The arbitration case remains unresolved, with a decision expected in early January 2026.
