The Portuguese central bank, Banco de Portugal, has unequivocally denied online rumors and media reports claiming the imminent release of a €7 commemorative coin honoring football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. These claims, which proliferated across social media and various online news platforms, falsely asserted that 25,000 of these coins would enter circulation at a purchase price of €7.50. Furthermore, some reports sensationally speculated that the coin’s perceived rarity, coupled with its purported gold content and Ronaldo’s global fame, could drive its value up to an astronomical €144,000. These claims were accompanied by images depicting the supposed design of the coin, which expert analysis revealed to be AI-generated. The lack of intricate detail typically found on genuine coins, along with nonsensical characters around the edge, a common artifact of AI image generation, strongly indicated the fabricated nature of the images.
The Banco de Portugal, in an official press release, firmly stated that it neither issued nor planned to issue any collector or commemorative coins dedicated to Ronaldo. This denial was further reinforced by the Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office, the sole authority responsible for approving the annual program for coin and medal production, which also publicly refuted the claims. The official websites of both the central bank and the Mint provide comprehensive lists of all issued collector and commemorative coins, offering further evidence against the existence of a Ronaldo coin. These lists detail coins commemorating various events and figures, such as the Portuguese Olympic team, the Skating Federation, and Portugal’s participation in the Euro 2024 championship, but make no mention of any coin honoring Ronaldo.
The resurgence of these false claims appears to coincide with Ronaldo’s recent footballing milestones, echoing similar misinformation that circulated in September following his 900th career goal. Fact-checkers debunked those claims at the time, highlighting the recurring pattern of fabricated news surrounding the footballer’s achievements. This emphasizes the importance of verifying information from reputable sources and exercising caution when encountering sensational claims online, particularly those related to valuable collectibles.
While the rumored Ronaldo coin remains firmly in the realm of fiction, Portugal has indeed recognized the football icon’s contributions in other tangible ways. The airport in his native Madeira was officially renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, and several statues of the celebrated athlete adorn various locations throughout the island, testaments to his profound impact on Portuguese society and the world of football. These genuine honors stand in stark contrast to the fabricated coin narrative, illustrating the significant difference between official recognition and unsubstantiated internet rumors.
Portugal has a history of commemorating influential figures through commemorative coins. For instance, in 2023, a €5 coin was issued in honor of Luís de Camões, the 16th-century poet often regarded as Portugal’s equivalent of Shakespeare or Dante. This precedent demonstrates that the nation does recognize individuals of significant cultural and historical importance through numismatic tributes. However, as of the current date, no such official plans exist to extend this honor to Ronaldo, despite his undeniable status as a national icon.
The incident underscores the rapid spread of misinformation in the digital age and the need for critical evaluation of online content. While the allure of a rare, valuable collectible can be enticing, it’s crucial to rely on verified information from official sources before accepting such claims as fact. The absence of any official announcements from the Banco de Portugal, the Portuguese Mint, or any other credible authority definitively confirms that the €7 Cristiano Ronaldo coin is nothing more than an online fabrication. This incident serves as a valuable reminder to approach extraordinary claims with healthy skepticism and to seek out reliable sources for accurate information.
