Manchester, UK – October 10, 2025 – Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo is grounded in a high-flying scandal as his $80 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet remains stuck at Manchester Airport, unable to take off for over five days since landing on February 14. According to The Sun, engineers inspecting the sleek aircraft uncovered a critical crack in one of its windows, forcing a halt for emergency repairs. Replacement parts are still en route, leaving the jet – a pinnacle of luxury with bespoke “CR7” branding and Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration etched on its nose – stranded on the tarmac.
The Bombardier, a recent upgrade from Ronaldo’s $22 million Gulfstream G200 sold last year, boasts a palatial interior for 17 passengers: plush sofas, a private suite, a workspace, and a gourmet dining area, blending business and pleasure for the 40-year-old Al-Nassr star. But its glitzy amenities are now overshadowed by mechanical woes. “This is a rare defect, but safety comes first,” an airport source told The Sun. “Ronaldo’s team is furious, but they’re grounded until it’s fixed.”
It’s unclear if Ronaldo was aboard when the jet touched down. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner last played on February 13, leading Al-Nassr to a 3-2 Saudi Pro League win over Al-Ahli, before sitting out a 0-0 AFC Champions League draw against Persepolis four days later. His unexpected Manchester pitstop has fueled wild speculation about a third stint with Manchester United, where he dazzled from 2003-2008, clinching three Premier League titles and a Champions League. His 2021 return, however, ended in disaster – a sixth-place finish, clashes with manager Erik ten Hag, and a bitter contract termination in 2022 before joining Al-Nassr.
Fans are buzzing on X, with #CR7toMUFC trending as posts flood in. “He’s back to save United!” one supporter wrote, while another quipped, “Jet’s broken, just like United’s defense.” Ronaldo stoked the fire at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, cryptically remarking, “Man United’s like a sick fish – you treat it, but the tank’s still toxic. It’s not just the coach; it’s deeper.” The comment, liked 3 million times, reignited debate about the club’s woes.
Pundits are split. Sky Sports’ Gary Neville called a Ronaldo return “a romantic fantasy,” citing his age, while The Guardian reported United’s board is “monitoring” his availability. Meanwhile, environmental groups like Extinction Rebellion slammed the jet’s 25-ton annual carbon footprint, with one activist tweeting, “Keep it grounded – the planet thanks you.”
As Ronaldo awaits repairs, possibly from his Madeira retreat, the saga has global eyes locked on Manchester. Is this a mechanical hiccup or a prelude to a seismic Premier League comeback? With midterms looming, this drama could even ripple into UK-US trade talks over aviation standards. For now, CR7’s wings are clipped, but his legend soars.
