The official Facebook page of the Provincial Health Directorate in Cienfuegos sparked controversy on Monday by sharing a completely fabricated story. The post falsely claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo had donated 250 solar panels, batteries, and spare parts to the Cuban government to provide energy to the "most vulnerable communities in the country."
Cuban journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro was quick to call out this misinformation on his X account, describing it as "madness."
"The official public health account in Cienfuegos claims Cristiano Ronaldo donated 250 solar panels and batteries to Cuba. Ends with the hashtag 'Patria con Fidel.' They have lost it," Castro commented.
The post featured a doctored image showing Ronaldo, apparently in a Real Madrid jersey, with arms raised in front of solar panels and the Cuban flag.
The official statement absurdly announced that Ronaldo and the Cuban government had "sealed a historic alliance," concluding with a series of propagandistic hashtags: #PatriaConFidel, #SolidaridadSinFronteras, #NoAlBloqueo, and #CubaPorLaSalud, among others.
No credible evidence supports that the Portuguese soccer star made such a donation to the Cuban regime or any health institution on the island.
Within hours of its release, the Provincial Health Directorate of Cienfuegos removed the post without any public explanation.
Backlash and Denouncement
Numerous Cuban journalists and activists condemned the post, widely criticizing it as institutional disinformation.
It appears the source used by the Cienfuegos Provincial Health Directorate was the Facebook page José Forever - El Taiger, which has been repeatedly accused of spreading false news.
Context of a Severe Energy Crisis
This incident unfolds amidst one of the most severe energy crises in Cuba's history, with blackouts exceeding 20 hours daily in some provinces and a power generation deficit reaching 2,000 MW in 2026. Only 5% of the country's energy comes from renewable sources, making any narrative about solar panel donations seem plausible to a desperate population.
The false report is part of a documented pattern of institutional misinformation by the regime.
Pattern of Misinformation
In June 2026, the Cuban Embassy in Mozambique released an AI-generated video with false content about a football player's arrest.
The UJC in Cienfuegos has also been involved in creating "digital swarms" to manipulate social media discussions, and activists have previously reported that health institutions in that province use propagandistic photos to hide the actual deterioration of the hospital system.
The fake news from the Cienfuegos Provincial Health Directorate is, ultimately, yet another example of how official Cuban institutions resort to fabricating content to maintain a narrative of international solidarity that cannot withstand scrutiny.
Understanding the Misinformation in Cuba
Why did the Cienfuegos Health Directorate retract the post about Ronaldo?
The post was retracted because it was entirely false. There was no evidence to support the claim that Ronaldo donated solar panels to Cuba.
What was the response to the false news about Cristiano Ronaldo?
The false news was met with widespread condemnation from journalists and activists, who criticized it as an example of institutional disinformation.
What role does renewable energy play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Renewable energy accounts for only 5% of Cuba's energy production, making any reports of solar panel donations appear credible to a population dealing with severe blackouts.