Australia World Cup star Volpato faces speeding and cocaine charges
Cristian Volpato, who represented Australia at the 2026 World Cup, was stopped in Sydney for speeding and allegedly tested positive for cocaine.
New South Wales police have charged 22-year-old Cristian Volpato with speeding and drug possession after a roadside test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine.
According to police, Volpato was clocked driving 50 kilometres per hour over the speed limit on Sydney's Anzac Bridge early Friday morning. A subsequent roadside drug test indicated the presence of cocaine.
Volpato, who switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia ahead of the World Cup 2026, made three appearances for the Socceroos at the tournament.
The forward began his youth career at Sydney United, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers before joining Roma in 2020. He moved to Sassuolo in 2023, where he established himself in Serie A.
His last appearance for Italy came at the under-21 level in 2025. Volpato had previously been linked with a switch to Australia before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
