Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ronaldo statue kicks up a fuss in India's Goa

Ronaldo statue kicks up a fuss in India's Goa

A statue of Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir in the southern Indian state of Goa, with locals accusing officials of insensitivity for honouring a sports star from the region's former colonial power.

Protesters with black flags gathered at the site after the statue was unveiled this week in the town of Calangute.


They expressed anger that authorities had shunned Indian sports stars and chosen a player from Portugal, which granted Goa independence in 1961.

Micky Fernandes, a former Indian international player who is from Goa, said the choice was "hurtful" and a "hangover" from Portuguese rule.

"Ronaldo is the best player in the world but still we should have a statue of a football player from Goa," Fernandes said.

Michael Lobo, a local minister with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has sid that the aim was to inspire young people to excel not just inside the country but internationally.

"All the boys and girls who want to make football a career will get inspired by people like Cristiano Ronaldo," Lobo said.

"If you pursue your dream and you're passionate about it then you can reach a higher goal. This is what we have written on the plaque."

Most of present-day India gained independence in 1947.

But Portugal's then-military dictatorship only relinquished Goa following an invasion by the Indian army and a two-day war in 1961.

Portugal's centuries-long influence remains visible in local architecture, particularly the many churches. Many people in Goa have Portuguese-origin surnames.

Unlike in most of India, many Goans prefer football to cricket -- and many support Portugal in international tournaments such as the World Cup.

"I follow (Portugal) too but when we have our own players we cannot put up a statue of someone from outside," Fernandes said.

It is not the first time a statue of Ronaldo, 36, has caused an upset.

A grinning bust unveiled at Madeira airport in Portugal in 2017 was widely ridiculed as looking little like its subject.

(AFP)

More For You

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

Glastonbury 2025 delivers heat drama and mystery with Pulp reunion rumours and Kneecap row

Getty Images

7 biggest moments at Glastonbury 2025 from Pulp reunion buzz to Kneecap controversy

You think you're coming to Glastonbury for the music. That’s what you tell yourself. But then, by Day 4, it’s Saturday afternoon, the sun’s hammering down like it’s got a personal vendetta against pasty Brits, and the air’s thick with sunscreen, spilled cider, and pure anticipation.

Something big’s brewing. Something secret. Something that makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of history, or at least a really, really good party. There’s joy and rebellion here. Tears and beer. Political fire and surprise reunions.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty
Trump shakes hands with Modi during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)

Key issues in India, US trade talks

TRADE talks between India and the US have hit a roadblock over disagreements on duties for auto components, steel and farm goods, Indian government sources said to Reuters, dashing hopes of reaching an interim deal ahead of president Donald Trump's July 9 deadline to impose reciprocal tariffs.

Here are the key issues at play:

Keep ReadingShow less
Harris Dickinson Bond rumors

Tom Holland Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson top James Bond shortlist as Amazon eyes younger 007

Getty Images

Tom Holland, Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi among top picks for 'James Bond' as Amazon begins new 007 era

Quick highlights:

  • Amazon’s reboot of the James Bond franchise is in early stages, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve attached.
  • Insiders claim Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are top contenders for the new 007.
  • The studio is reportedly seeking a British actor under 30; no official casting decisions made yet.
  • Next Bond film is unlikely to release before 2028 due to scheduling and production timelines.

The race for the next James Bond is heating up, and three familiar faces are at the top of the list.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kanpur 1857 play

This summer, Niall Moorjani returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with 'Kanpur: 1857'

Pleasance

Niall Moorjani brings colonial history to life with powerful new play 'Kanpur: 1857'

This summer, Niall Moorjani returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Kanpur: 1857, an explosive new play that fuses biting satire, history and heartfelt storytelling. Written, co-directed and performed by Moorjani, alongside fellow actor and collaborator Jonathan Oldfield, the show dives into the bloody uprising against British colonial rule in 1857 India, focusing on the brutal events in Kanpur.

At its centre is an Indian rebel, played by Moorjani, strapped to a cannon and forced to recount a version of events under the watchful eye of a British officer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz &  Djokovic

Djokovic (L) and Alcaraz embrace during practice prior to The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 26.

Getty

Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz eyes third straight title as Sinner, Djokovic lead challenge

CARLOS ALCARAZ will look to win his third consecutive Wimbledon title this year, reinforcing his position as the leading player on all surfaces. Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in a closely fought French Open final, heads to London hoping to reverse the result.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will also be in contention. At 38, this could be his best chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. Djokovic lost the last two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz and will aim to reclaim the trophy at the All England Club.

Keep ReadingShow less