Soccer Star Ronaldo Accepts Fine for Tax Evasion, Avoids Jail

Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was fined almost 19 million euros ($21.6 million) for tax fraud on Jan. 22 but will avoid serving a 23-month prison sentence after agreeing a deal.

Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo arrives with his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, to appear in court on a trial for tax fraud in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 22, 2019. Reuters/Sergio Perez

MADRID—Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was fined almost 19 million euros ($21.6 million) for tax fraud on Jan. 22 but will avoid serving a 23-month prison sentence after agreeing to a deal.

Ronaldo, holding hands with his Spanish fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, came out of the court room smiling, pausing to sign autographs before leaving in a black van.