Socceroos star Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine after two speeding stops in Sydney

Published Jul 24, 06:24 AM UTC

Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old Australia midfielder who played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding on the same night in Sydney. Police stopped him at 11:05 PM on Thursday on the Anzac Bridge for driving 86-94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone; a roadside breath test was negative. Two hours later, he was stopped again for traveling at 109 km/h in the same zone, and an oral fluid test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. Volpato was issued an infringement notice, his international driver's license was suspended for six months, and a secondary sample has been sent for further analysis. He played for Sassuolo in Serie A and represented Australia in the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Egypt in the round of 32. Football Australia and Sassuolo have been contacted for comment.