Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30th Birthday Party Sparks Controversy After Derby Defeat
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 30th birthday celebration, held on February 5th, has ignited sharp criticism in Spain after coinciding with one of Real Madrid’s heaviest defeats in recent memory — a humbling 4-0 loss to city rivals Atlético Madrid.
Despite the crushing result at the Vicente Calderón, several Real Madrid players joined Ronaldo later that evening for a private party to mark his milestone birthday. Among those in attendance were Keylor Navas, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Luka Modric, Sami Khedira, and James Rodríguez. The group was seen celebrating enthusiastically, in stark contrast to the mood among supporters following the derby debacle.
Spanish media swiftly dubbed it “La Fiesta de la Discordia” — The Party of Discord — highlighting the backlash from fans and within the club’s own ranks. Critics accused the players of poor timing and insensitivity, celebrating just hours after a demoralising defeat that raised concerns about the team’s form and cohesion.
The divide in the dressing room became apparent when notable absentees such as captain Iker Casillas and vice-captain Sergio Ramos reportedly boycotted the event. According to local reports, both senior players were unhappy with the decision to go ahead with the party, and voiced their discontent internally.
The fallout has deepened tensions within the squad, with pressure mounting on manager Carlo Ancelotti to restore focus and discipline. For Ronaldo, who has long been under the spotlight both for his brilliance and his off-field persona, the timing of the celebration has brought unwanted scrutiny, overshadowing what should have been a personal milestone.
As the team faces growing pressure to rebound in La Liga and the Champions League, many within the Madrid fan base are hoping the dressing room can put the episode behind them quickly — and return to winning ways.
