Volpato footballer alleged cocaine test after speeding

Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato has been involved in a serious traffic incident in Sydney, allegedly testing positive for cocaine after being stopped for speeding twice in one night. The 22-year-old midfielder, who plays for Serie A side Sassuolo and represented the Socceroos at the recent World Cup, had his international driver's licence suspended for six months.

According to police statements issued on Friday, July 24, 2026, Volpato was first pulled over on Thursday night at approximately 11:05 p.m. for allegedly driving between 86 and 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Sydney's Anzac Bridge. He was issued an infringement notice and passed an initial roadside breath test. Approximately two hours later, just after 1:00 a.m. on Friday, he was stopped again on the same bridge after allegedly being clocked driving at 109 km/h in the same 60 km/h zone. During this second stop, a roadside drug test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. A secondary oral fluid sample was taken for further laboratory analysis. Police confirmed Volpato has not been charged with a criminal offence.

Volpato's mentor and former coach, Tony Basha, told media the player was shocked...