Atletico Madrid defender Matteo Ruggeri is facing severe public backlash after unconfirmed social media allegations emerged that he paid a woman for offensive and sexualized audio messages via Instagram.
The 23-year-old Italian left-back reportedly paid 150 euros for various audio recordings, according to allegations from a promotional clip on Fabrizio Corona's YouTube channel, Coronas Land.
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Unverified screenshots and videos circulating online show explicit requests from Ruggeri, including asking the content creator if she would be bothered if he touched himself while listening to her audios.
He also allegedly requested racially insensitive remarks, asking the woman to insult black people and say she is racist.
The leaks prompted immediate backlash from fan organizations, with the account Atletico Universe demanding the player's dismissal from the club.
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Atletico Madrid has not published an official reaction or initiated an internal review regarding the allegations.
Transfer Interest Remains
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atletico Madrid remains open to a transfer, with AS Roma showing interest in reuniting Ruggeri with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
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Ruggeri joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta on July 1, 2025, signing a contract until June 30, 2030. He made 26 appearances during the 2025/2026 league season.
