Australian national team attacker Cristian Volpato is reported to have returned a positive cocaine result following a traffic stop where he was caught traveling nearly 50km/h above the permitted speed in Sydney.
The 22-year-old emerged as a standout performer for Australia during the 2026 World Cup, yet he now finds himself under scrutiny once more, accused of operating a BMW Coupe at 109km/h across Anzac Bridge in a 60km/h area around 1:10am on Friday.
Officers administered a roadside drug screening that reportedly indicated the presence of cocaine. A follow-up oral fluid specimen was collected for laboratory examination, as New South Wales authorities stated their investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities issued him a speeding fine, and his overseas driving permit has been revoked for half a year, barring him from operating a vehicle in New South Wales. No criminal charges have been laid at this stage.
Law enforcement further claims he had been pulled over on the same bridge roughly two hours prior, receiving a citation for traveling in excess of 20km/h above the limit.
During that earlier stop around 11:05pm on Thursday, a breath test detected no alcohol in his system.
Australia’s football governing body has been approached for a statement.
Currently on the books of Italian side Sassuolo, Volpato previously featured for Italy’s youth national teams at under-19 and under-20 levels, then declared for Australia just before the World Cup.
He took the field three times for the Socceroos during the competition, contributing offensively as the team advanced from the group phase in second spot, only to be eliminated by Egypt in the round of 32.
A Sydney native, he developed his skills in the youth setups of Sydney United 58, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers prior to relocating to Europe to sign with Serie A outfit Roma.
Following two campaigns at Roma, he transferred to Sassuolo, netting seven goals across three seasons, and then established himself as an important figure in the Socceroos’ plans for the coming years.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
