Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine in Sydney
Socceroos star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after NSW Police stopped him speeding on Sydney's Anzac Bridge early Friday. The 22-year-old Australia midfielder, who featured at the 2026 World Cup, had his international driver's licence suspended for six months while a secondary oral fluid sample is analysed.
Key Takeaways
- Cristian Volpato allegedly returned a positive roadside result for cocaine after a second speeding stop on Anzac Bridge.
- Police say he was clocked at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone about 1:10am Friday while driving a BMW Coupe.
- His international driver's licence was suspended for six months; a secondary oral fluid sample was taken for further analysis.
- He has not been charged with a criminal offence, and Football Australia has been approached for comment.
- Volpato made three World Cup appearances for Australia after switching allegiance from Italy in May.
What happened during the Sydney police stops?
According to New South Wales Police, Volpato was first stopped on Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday after travelling between 86 and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone. He was given a roadside breath test that returned a negative result and was issued an infringement notice for speeding.
About two hours later, police stopped him again on the same bridge. This time he was allegedly travelling at 109km/h in the 60km/h zone — nearly 50km/h over the limit. A roadside drug test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. Police said a secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis and that inquiries will continue.
His international driver's licence was suspended for six months, meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales. BBC Sport reported the same sequence of stops and the pending lab analysis.
Has Cristian Volpato been charged?
Reporting indicates Volpato has not been charged with a criminal offence. He was issued an infringement notice for excess speed linked to the overnight stops. The alleged positive roadside drug result remains subject to further analysis of the secondary oral fluid sample.
NSW Police said their inquiries will continue. Football Australia and Sassuolo have been approached for comment, according to coverage from BBC Sport and other outlets.
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Why does this matter for the Socceroos?
Volpato was one of Australia's standout figures at the 2026 World Cup. He played in three of the Socceroos' four matches as the side progressed from the group stage before a last-32 exit against Egypt on penalties.
Born and raised in Sydney, he played junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney before moving to Europe. He represented Italy at under-19 and under-20 level, then switched to Australia in May ahead of the tournament squad announcement.
At club level he has played for Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023, after two seasons with Roma. ESPN noted he has scored seven goals across three seasons with Sassuolo. The alleged roadside result now puts a sudden spotlight on a player many saw as part of the Socceroos' longer-term future.
Until the secondary sample and police inquiries are resolved, the allegation remains unproven in court. Volpato's licence suspension in New South Wales is the clearest immediate consequence confirmed by police statements cited across major outlets.