Cristiano Ronaldo Awarded 'Substantial' Damages From Newspaper

Soccer ace Cristiano Ronaldo has been awarded "substantial" damages from bosses at a U.K. newspaper over an article alleging the star put his injured ankle at risk with his excessive partying. The Real Madrid striker underwent surgery on his ankle in July 2008 and was ruled out of playing the sport for his then-team Manchester United for more than two months.

During that time, Britain's Daily Telegraph published a report alleging Ronaldo had risked further injury by dancing at a Hollywood club. The sports star launched legal action against the Telegraph Media Group Ltd, claiming the report caused him embarrassment, offense and distress and could damage his professional reputation.

On Monday, November 8, a judge at London's High Court ruled in Ronaldo's favor and the star, who was not present at the hearing, was awarded substantial libel damages from the newspaper group over the article, according to the AFP.