Australia World Cup midfielder Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine after two speeding incidents

Published Jul 24, 08:59 AM UTC

Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old Socceroos midfielder who played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney on the same night. Police stopped him on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm for driving 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone; a breath test was negative. Two hours later, he was caught driving 109km/h in the same zone and allegedly returned a positive oral fluid result for cocaine. His international driver's license was suspended for six months, and a secondary sample is being analyzed. Football Australia and the players' union said they are monitoring the matter and supporting the player. Volpato plays for Serie A side Sassuolo and switched allegiance from Italy to Australia in May 2026.