Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wax figure at Madame Tussauds isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a magnet for lipstick marks. Staff have admitted they arrive as early as 5 a.m. to wipe away traces of adoration left by fans who can’t resist planting kisses on the model’s cheeks. According to a museum spokesperson, “The aim, when anything untoward is discovered, is to rectify it before visitors come in, and one regular job is to remove lipstick marks off Ronaldo.”
That level of devotion is hardly surprising given the footballer’s global fame. Still, Ronaldo shares the title of most-kissed wax figure with a notorious figure from the 1940s and 1950s, John Christie. The confessed serial killer, who was eventually executed for his crimes, somehow inspires his own share of kisses.
“It’s not so surprising that he has a lot of admirers as he is very good-looking and a fantastic athlete,” a museum spokesperson told The Sun about Ronaldo. “But it is harder to understand the amount of kisses John Christie gets. We’re not sure why, perhaps it’s his bald head that attracts people looking for fun photos.”
One wax figure, many lipstick stains
Ronaldo’s response to claims that he’s overly focused on his appearance reveals a lighter side of his persona. “Not really. I don’t believe I’m obsessed by looking good. I look good because I am,” he said with a laugh during a past interview, then clarified, “I’m joking! I think everything’s important to look good, to smell good. You know, it’s not just women.” The superstar’s self-assured tone mirrors the aura that makes his likeness so irresistible at Madame Tussauds.
Meanwhile, the museum’s maintenance routine seems as demanding as a footballer’s training schedule. Workers remove lipstick smudges, check for any other marks, and ensure every detail is right before the public pours in. Other wax figures, from pop stars to athletes, have faced mischief ranging from stolen eyelashes to toppled heads, but Ronaldo’s is among the few that require daily vigilance.
