Cristiano Ronaldo Celebrating at His 30th Birthday Party is Now a Stupid Controversy

Here’s a story that will once again make a convincing argument that “non-troversies” in European soccer trump anything manufactured on a daily basis in North American professional sports. The pertinent facts for this one: last Friday Cristiano Ronaldo turned 30; a day later Real Madrid lost to rival Atletico Madrid 4-0. Lost doesn’t quite do the game justice, as Atletico ran Real off the field in one of the most lopsided performances of the season. Later that evening Ronaldo decided to, hopefully you’re sitting down, celebrate his birthday with friends, family and teammates.

Yes, he probably should have sat in quiet solitude, reflecting on the game and perhaps offered up some form of penitence to the Real Madrid fans. Instead Ronaldo, as the video above shows, decided to dance, sing and wear a shiny party hat.

Naturally, this didn’t go over very well. Some reports say the Real Madrid captains — Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos — are upset Ronaldo partied and brought along others like Pepe, Marcelo, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric. Fans, yes, the fans aren’t happy either. It left Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to explain the situation on Spanish radio, saying the party had been planned months in advance.

Athletes reacting differently than fans to devastating loses is nothing new and something that will probably never change. Nor will the media reaction, which chronicles the lives of players like Ronaldo on a second-by-second basis. (Now there’s word Ronaldo may or may not have cheated on his ex-girlfriend, SI Swimsuit model Irina Shayk.)

Two overarching thoughts here. The first, if I were working in MLS HQ, I’d put together a pamphlet and distribute around some of the bigger clubs in Europe that you can come play soccer in America and not get bothered at a nightclub or have every single second of your life chronicled by the media. In the pamphlet I’d probably make notice, too, of America’s lovely shopping malls, copious cable television channels and various Cinnabon locations.

The second thought, which all athletes would be wise to follow: if you’re having fun, partying, etc. use the Derek Jeter no cell phone or cameras policy. Even at a 30th birthday party, it’s for the best.