Manchester City star Ruben Dias and his girlfriend have been slammed on social media after posting a shocking video of themselves at a bullfighting festival, sparking outrage among fans around the world. The video shows the pair laughing and cheering while watching a bullfight – an activity that has been condemned as cruel and inhumane.
According to British media, the video was posted on Ruben Dias’s girlfriend’s personal account and quickly attracted millions of views in just a few hours. However, instead of receiving support, the couple received a storm of criticism. Many people said their actions showed “a lack of understanding and insensitivity to the suffering of animals.”
One comment on Twitter read:
“It’s hard to believe that a player of Ruben Dias’ caliber would support such a bloody game. I used to respect him, but not anymore.”
Several animal rights organizations, including PETA and World Animal Protection, were quick to condemn the video, calling it “an act that encourages violence against animals.” A PETA spokesperson even stated:
“Celebrities have influence, and supporting cruel forms of entertainment like bullfighting only perpetuates the suffering of innocent animals.”
Ruben Dias has yet to officially respond, but according to an inside source, the Portuguese player is said to be “shocked by the backlash” and is considering removing the video. His girlfriend, who regularly posts travel and fashion content, has suspended her personal account following the widespread outrage.
The incident has severely damaged the image of Ruben Dias – known as a calm, disciplined player who is loved by fans – and has been criticized for being a “disciplined” player. Media experts say this is one of the worst image crises for a Premier League player in 2025.
A London-based social media expert said:
“In the age of social media, a small mistake can become a global storm in a matter of hours. Ruben Dias may not have had any bad intentions, but posting the video was a huge mistake.”
Manchester City’s fan base is also divided. Some are demanding he publicly apologize and join animal protection campaigns to atone for his mistake, while others say the media is overreacting.
While the real reason behind the couple’s participation in the bullfighting event is still unclear, there’s no denying that the incident has severely damaged Ruben Dias’ reputation.
“He’s a great player, but sometimes, just one thoughtless moment is enough to turn the whole world against him,” wrote one fan.
The online community is still discussing the incident, while fans are waiting for an official apology from Ruben Dias and his girlfriend – which could determine whether they can restore their image after this media storm.
