Local fans in Lisbon received an unexpected thrill: Cristiano Ronaldo cruising the streets in an ultra-expensive Bugatti. Footage shared on social media shows the 40-year-old superstar behind the wheel of a sleek black Bugatti, causing onlookers to stop and stare. Ronaldo was back in his home country on a summer break, fresh off an international triumph, and his choice of ride was as attention-grabbing as ever.
The video, captured by a stunned passerby, quickly went viral. “I was shocked to see a Bugatti Veyron on the streets of Lisbon… wanted to see who is driving it, surprise, Cristiano Ronaldo himself!” the content creator wrote. Within hours, the sighting had spread across socials with millions viewing Ronaldo’s luxury joyride.
Some fans expressed pride at seeing their hometown hero “living his best life” back in Lisbon. Others simply marveled at the extravagance, watching one of the planet’s most famous athletes casually use a $2.2 million hypercar as his daily driver.
The car: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse
Initial reports left fans guessing, but Portuguese media confirmed Ronaldo was driving his Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the same one he bought in 2016 after Portugal‘s Euro triumph. This model is one of the most powerful open-top roadsters ever built, boasting an 8.0-liter W16 engine with four turbochargers, 1,200 horsepower, and a top speed exceeding 250 mph.
Nicknamed “Animal” by Ronaldo, the Veyron has been a symbol of his success for nearly a decade. It’s a rare machine even by Bugatti standards. The black-and-silver hypercar is valued today at roughly $2.2 million, with just a limited number ever made. While Ronaldo owns other Bugatti models, including the Chiron and the ultra-rare Centodieci, this Veyron holds a special, personal significance.
Fan frenzy and social media buzz
The moment triggered a wave of online commentary. Fans shared their astonishment in clips and stories. One typical post read, “Was shocked to see Bugatti Veyron on the streets of Lisbon… surprise Cristiano Ronaldo himself.”
Other online threads celebrated how down-to-earth he seemed despite the extravagance. In contrast, others noted the poetic symbolism: a working-class kid from Madeira now effortlessly commanding a piece of automotive art through his country’s capital.
Ronaldo’s garage: a billionaire’s playground
Ronaldo’s car collection is well-documented and worth over $30 million, comprising two Bugattis, multiple Ferraris, a McLaren Senna, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, and the highly sought-after Bugatti Centodieci. The Centodieci alone is estimated to be worth around $10 million and is one of only 10 ever produced.
Each of his cars is tied to milestones: the Veyron after a European Championship, the Centodieci for his 36th birthday.
When Georgina Rodriguez gifted him a Brabus G-Wagon for his birthday, Ronaldo called it “an amazing surprise.” He’s not shy about his automotive passion, once telling reporters, “I love cars and speed.”
He’s also known for actually driving his cars, unlike many collectors. Car forums praised him for taking the Veyron out on Lisbon’s streets instead of leaving it garaged. Fans on a Bugatti owners forum applauded his willingness “to actually drive” the Veyron in city traffic instead of treating it like a garage queen.
This particular collection, especially his Bugatti lineup, ranks among the most expensive cars owned by Ronaldo and Messi.
A homecoming with swagger
Ronaldo’s return to Lisbon comes after winning the 2025 Nations League with Portugal, where he scored in the final and lifted the trophy at 40 years old. Emotional after the win, he told reporters, “Nothing is better than winning for Portugal… it’s tears of joy.”
So the image of Ronaldo in his Bugatti cruising Lisbon wasn’t just a flex, it was a quiet, cinematic victory lap. This is the city where he came of age at Sporting CP. It’s also where he now owns the most expensive apartment in Lisbon, purchased for over $7 million in 2021.
As Ronaldo heads into another season with Al-Nassr, moments like these remind us he’s more than a footballer. He’s a living myth, blending grounded roots with untouchable status.
Seeing him behind the wheel of a roaring Bugatti on familiar streets isn’t just about horsepower. It’s about legacy.
