Carlo Ancelotti: 5 football stars convicted of tax fraud

Carlo Ancelotti has become the latest football icon to be sentenced for tax fraud in Spain. The one-year suspended prison term handed to the current Brazil national team coach follows similar convictions of global superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. With millions at stake and reputations on the line, here’s a look at other famous football names who’ve also faced legal trouble for tax evasion.

1. Lionel Messi

In 2016, Lionel Messi was convicted of tax fraud after it was discovered he failed to declare over €4.1 million in image rights earnings from 2007 to 2009. Alongside his father, Jorge Messi, the Barcelona legend received a 21-month suspended sentence. Though he avoided jail, the case shook fans and set a precedent for how Spain treats tax evasion cases involving athletes.

Messi’s legal troubles highlighted how players and their advisers used offshore companies to hide earnings. His conviction made headlines worldwide and remains a defining off-field moment in his storied career.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo accepted a deal with Spanish prosecutors over tax fraud charges, agreeing to a €18.8 million fine and a 23-month suspended sentence. The Portuguese star was accused of hiding income generated through image rights between 2011 and 2014 while at Real Madrid.

Ronaldo’s case followed the Messi scandal closely and reinforced the widespread nature of these schemes in Spanish football. The sentence did not affect his playing career, but it added a legal blemish to his public profile.

3. Neymar Jr.

Neymar may not have served jail time, but his legal battles have spanned both Spain and Brazil. He has been accused of irregularities in his 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona, and Brazilian authorities froze millions in assets over suspected unpaid taxes.

Though not convicted, Neymar’s case illustrates the scrutiny athletes face when it comes to big-money deals and income transparency. His legal saga remains one of the longest-running among active players.

4. José Mourinho

Former Real Madrid coach José Mourinho also faced tax evasion charges and, in 2017, agreed to pay €2.2 million to settle. Prosecutors claimed he had hidden image rights income during his time in Spain.

Mourinho accepted a one-year suspended sentence, avoiding prison like others. His case, however, brought attention to how coaches, not just players, were involved in Spain’s crackdown on financial crimes in football.

5. Xabi Alonso

Unlike others, Xabi Alonso chose to fight. He was accused of evading €2 million in taxes while at Real Madrid but was later acquitted. Alonso maintained his innocence and refused to settle, ultimately winning his case in court.

His legal victory was rare and applauded, distinguishing him from peers who opted for settlements. It also suggested that not every accusation results in guilt, and sometimes the legal system gets it right.

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Carlo Ancelotti gets 1-year prison sentence for tax fraud: What you need to know

Will It Ever Stop?

The pattern is clear, Spain has become a hotbed for tax fraud prosecutions involving football stars. Whether through ignorance, poor advice, or intentional fraud, these cases continue to emerge and shake the image of football’s biggest names.

While jail sentences may be avoided, the reputational damage and heavy fines serve as reminders that even the most powerful figures in sport aren’t above the law.