Juventus renew legal battle with Cristiano Ronaldo over unpaid wages

Juventus renew legal battle with Cristiano Ronaldo over unpaid wages Juventus have taken their legal battle with Cristiano Ronaldo to Italy’s Court of Cassation, challenging a ruling that ordered the club to pay the Portuguese forward €9.8m in outstanding wages. The dispute dates back to 2021, when Ronaldo left the Allianz Stadium to return to Manchester United. It centres on an agreement reached during the COVID-19 pandemic, under which Juventus reportedly committed to paying €19.5m in deferred wages. Juventus file new appeal in legal battle with Ronaldo LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA – MARCH 26: Former Serie A star Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal reacts during the international friendly match between Slovenia and Portugal on March 26, 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.(Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images) The private document, known as the ‘Ronaldo letter’, emerged during an investigation into the club’s financial practices and the so-called ‘salary manoeuvre’ which involved agreements with players over wage payments during the pandemic. Ronaldo has already secured two favourable decisions in the case. In April 2024, an arbitration panel ruled by majority that Juventus must pay him €9.8m plus interest and inflation adjustments, about half of what he originally claimed. The panel did not find that Juventus deliberately misled the player and noted that Ronaldo did not request the money when he left Italy in 2021. TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 07: A detailed view of the corner flag inside the Juventus Stadium prior to the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Pisa SC at Juventus Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images) Juventus challenged the ruling, but the Turin Labour Court rejected their appeal in January 2026, upholding the original decision. Gazzetta has learned that the Bianconeri have taken their legal battle with their ex-striker to Italy’s Court of Cassation, confirming in their 2025-26 financial report that they filed an appeal on March 27, 2026, and are still awaiting a hearing date. The Court of Cassation is Italy’s highest court and the final level of appeal in the country’s judicial system. Juventus also sought to reassure investors about the financial implications, saying the ruling’s costs had already been reflected in their accounts since the 2023-24 financial year. Therefore, the club expect no further negative impact on current or future financial statements.