Andressa Urach, a well-known figure in Brazilian media, has once again drawn attention by revisiting one of the most controversial episodes of her career. In a recent interview, the former model discussed her alleged affair with football star Cristiano Ronaldo, which took place between 2012 and 2013, expressing deep regret for making the matter public. The issue, which generated international headlines at the time, continues to resonate, shedding light on details about exchanged messages and the personal and professional consequences for both parties.
The case gained notoriety when Urach, then runner-up in the Miss Bumbum contest, revealed details of the encounter at a luxury hotel in Madrid, Spain. According to her, the exposure was driven by a mix of anger and frustration, sparked by disagreements with the player. Years later, the adult content creator reflects on the decisions made and the implications of her actions.
- Motivation for exposure: Urach claims anger was the main factor in going public, especially after Ronaldo refused to take a photo with her.
- Impact at the time: The revelation shook the player’s public image, as he was in a relationship with model Irina Shayk.
- Current regret: After her religious conversion, Urach says she feels guilty for causing trouble in the athlete’s personal life.
The interview on Camarote do Chico Barney, aired in May 2025, brought new details about the episode, reigniting public interest. Urach, now adopting a more introspective stance, shared how the incident shaped her trajectory and influenced her views on fame and exposure.
Immediate reactions to the scandal
When the story broke in 2013, reactions were intense. Urach, then working as a dancer and occasionally as an escort, saw her visibility skyrocket. The Brazilian and international press covered the case extensively, with tabloids highlighting claims that Ronaldo failed to honor an alleged financial agreement for the encounter. The model, in turn, stated that the player contacted her through other athletes, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
Ronaldo, then at the peak of his career with Real Madrid, vehemently denied the allegations. In public statements, the Portuguese star labeled the accusations as attempts to gain fame at his expense. He posted messages on social media emphasizing his focus on his career and relationship with Irina Shayk, denying any involvement with Urach. According to the former model, their exchanges included insults and threats of legal action, which fueled the controversy.
Brazilian media, always eager for celebrity stories, turned the case into one of the year’s top topics. TV shows on Record and RedeTV! dedicated hours to the coverage, while columnists speculated about the details of the meeting. Urach, who initially capitalized on the exposure to boost her fees, later admitted that the episode brought more long-term losses than gains.
Details of the Madrid encounter
The alleged affair took place in April 2013 at the Hotel Villa Magna, one of Madrid’s most luxurious establishments. Urach claimed she traveled to Spain at Ronaldo’s invitation, after being introduced to the player by an unidentified Brazilian athlete. According to her, the encounter began with an initial connection but ended in disagreements. The former model hoped to take a selfie with the star as a fan, but his refusal to pose for the photo left her frustrated.
- Location of the meeting: Hotel Villa Magna, known for its exclusivity and rates that can exceed 11,000 euros per night.
- Intermediation: An unnamed Brazilian player reportedly facilitated contact between Urach and Ronaldo.
- Disagreement: Ronaldo’s refusal to take a photo was the trigger for the public exposure.
- Financial allegations: Urach accused the player of not paying an agreed amount, though she later denied the encounter was a paid arrangement.
Urach’s narrative about the encounter has evolved over the years. In 2013, she provided explicit details to the press, including descriptions of Ronaldo’s performance and comments about his appearance. These statements, published in tabloids like Britain’s The Sun, generated sensational headlines and fueled public curiosity. However, after converting to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in 2015, Urach adopted a more reserved tone, publicly apologizing to the player in her biography released that year.
Urach’s personal transformation
Andressa Urach’s journey is marked by highs and lows, with moments of intense media exposure and periods of introspection. After the Ronaldo scandal, the former model faced significant challenges, including a life-threatening hospitalization in 2014 due to complications from hydrogel injections in her legs. This episode, which nearly cost her life, was a turning point, leading her to embrace evangelicalism and join the Universal Church.
For years, Urach dedicated herself to religious activities, seeking to rebuild her public image. However, her relationship with the church was also turbulent. In recent interviews, she revealed feeling manipulated by religious leaders who saw her as a useful figure for political projects. This experience prompted her to distance herself from the institution and return to her entertainment career, now focused on adult content production.
The Camarote do Chico Barney interview reflects this new phase for Urach, where she balances reflections on her past with a more pragmatic approach to fame. When addressing the Ronaldo case, the former model highlighted her personal growth, emphasizing that she now avoids conflicts and strives to handle her emotions better. The mention of heavy messages exchanged with the player was a highlight of the interview, sparking debates on social media.
Ronaldo’s response to the case
Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his reserved demeanor off the field, reacted to the scandal with strong statements. In 2013, he used social media to deny Urach’s claims, stating he was at the Hotel Villa Magna for an interview with journalist Manu Sainz, not for a meeting with the model. The player also threatened to sue Urach, alleging her accusations were false and motivated by financial interests.
- Public denial: Ronaldo called Urach an opportunist in posts on Facebook.
- Legal threats: The player stated he would take legal action to protect his reputation.
- Defense of Irina Shayk: Ronaldo reaffirmed his commitment to his girlfriend, denying any infidelity.
- Subsequent silence: After initial statements, the star avoided further public comments on the matter.
Ronaldo’s stance was supported by his PR team, which worked to minimize the scandal’s impact. At the time, the player was at a critical point in his career, delivering stellar performances for Real Madrid and negotiating a contract renewal. The controversy, while generating headlines, did not derail his trajectory, and he continued to solidify his status as one of the world’s greatest athletes.
Media coverage over the years
The Urach-Ronaldo story has been revisited multiple times by the press, especially when the former model grants interviews or launches projects. In 2015, Urach’s biography, “Morri para Viver,” provided new details about the encounter, including accounts of threats and a formal apology to the player. The book, published by Planeta, sold thousands of copies and reinforced Urach’s image as a controversial figure.
British tabloids, such as the Daily Mail, also covered the case, publishing excerpts from the biography and exclusive interviews with the model. Brazilian media, meanwhile, followed every new chapter, with gossip shows dedicating entire segments to Urach’s statements. The coverage, often sensationalist, kept the story alive in the public imagination.
In recent years, Urach has been more selective when addressing the topic, but the case continues to generate interest. Posts on X, such as those published in May 2025, show that the public still reacts with curiosity and humor to mentions of the affair. Some users highlight Urach’s boldness, while others question the veracity of her claims, reflecting the polarized views on the matter.
Urach’s experience with fame
The exposure of the Ronaldo case propelled Urach to a new level of fame, but it also brought challenges. In interviews, she described the difficulty of handling media pressure and public criticism. The former model admitted that, at the time, she did not weigh the consequences of her actions, acting impulsively in pursuit of visibility. This quest for notoriety, she said, was fueled by an environment where fame was equated with success.
- Increased fees: The case’s exposure boosted the amounts Urach charged for appearances and escort work.
- Public criticism: The model faced judgment for her decision to go public with the story.
- Seeking help: Urach revealed she sought psychological support to cope with the intense emotions fame brought.
- Shift in perspective: Over time, she began to value privacy and emotional stability more.
Urach’s trajectory reflects the complexities of fame in Brazil, where public figures often face intense scrutiny. Her story, marked by scandals, redemptions, and reinventions, continues to draw attention, especially in the context of social media, where every statement can go viral quickly.
Role of social media in the controversy
Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the scandal, both in 2013 and in its revisitations. At the time of the case, platforms like Facebook and Twitter (now X) were used by Urach and Ronaldo to exchange indirect jabs. The model posted messages suggesting she had proof of the encounter, while the player used his accounts to refute her. This public interaction fueled fans’ and media’s curiosity.
Today, X remains a space where the case is discussed. Recent posts, such as those from May 2025, show that the public still finds amusement in the story, sharing memes and comments about Urach’s statements. The platform also allows the former model to engage directly with her followers, reinforcing her relevance in the digital landscape.
The case’s virality on social media underscores how celebrity fame can be shaped by digital platforms. For Urach, X has been a tool to maintain her visibility, but also a space where she faces criticism and questions about her credibility. The dynamics of social media, with its speed and reach, turned the scandal into a lasting phenomenon.
Other controversial episodes in Urach’s life
Beyond the Ronaldo case, Andressa Urach has been involved in numerous controversies throughout her career. Her participation in “A Fazenda 6” in 2013 was marked by conflicts and behavior that cemented her as one of the show’s villains. The former model also made headlines with revelations about her personal life, including accounts of childhood abuse and strained family relationships.
- A Fazenda 6: Urach joined the show intending to play the villain but ended up in genuine conflicts with other participants.
- Health issues: Her 2014 hospitalization due to hydrogel complications shocked the public and marked her religious conversion.
- Family controversies: Urach revealed a consensual relationship with her half-brother in her teens, sparking ethical debates.
- Return to escorting: After leaving the church, Urach resumed work in the adult industry, a decision that divided opinions.
These episodes, combined with the Ronaldo case, built Urach’s image as a polarizing figure. Her ability to reinvent herself, however, ensures she remains relevant, whether as an influencer, content creator, or reality TV personality. The 2025 interview reinforces this skill, bringing a more mature tone to her reflections.
Legacy of the case in entertainment
The Urach-Ronaldo scandal is a milestone in Brazil’s celebrity culture, illustrating how personal stories can become media phenomena. The blend of fame, controversy, and social media created a narrative that transcends the original event, keeping it alive in collective memory. For Urach, the case was both a blessing and a curse, boosting her career but also tying her to a controversy indefinitely.
The case’s coverage also reflects the dynamics of Brazilian media, where the line between journalism and sensationalism often blurs. Shows like Camarote do Chico Barney, blending entertainment and in-depth interviews, exemplify how the public remains interested in past stories, especially when they involve figures like Ronaldo, a global icon.
The Urach-Ronaldo story, though centered on a 2013 event, gained new life in 2025, thanks to the recent interview. The former model’s statements, coupled with public curiosity, ensure the case remains one of the most talked-about chapters of her journey. Her current approach to the topic, blending regret and candor, adds a layer of humanity to the narrative, resonating with an audience that values stories of overcoming and transformation.
