Real reason Ronaldo never went to the MLS

One of football’s most iconic figures, Cristiano Ronaldo nearly embarked on a groundbreaking journey to Major League Soccer (MLS) before ultimately choosing to join Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.

This potential move, which included discussions of an ownership stake, highlights the intricate negotiations and strategic decisions that shape the careers of top-tier athletes.

The Saudi Move: A Record-Breaking Deal

At the start of 2023, Ronaldo, 39, left European football, signing a three-year contract with Al Nassr following his departure from Manchester United. This move made him the highest-paid player in the world, earning a staggering £177 million per year. Despite this lucrative offer, Ronaldo’s path to Saudi Arabia was not a foregone conclusion.

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Sporting Kansas City’s Ambitious Bid

Before finalizing his deal with Al Nassr, Ronaldo held talks with several clubs, including MLS’s Sporting Kansas City. According to Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes, the club engaged in multiple meetings with Ronaldo’s representatives. These discussions were serious enough to consider creative financial packages, including cuts from international jersey sales and a potential ownership stake in the club.

The MLS Database: Targeting Football Legends

At the time of negotiations, MLS had an internal database of 50 players deemed most valuable for the league, with Lionel Messi and Ronaldo topping the list. The Athletic reported that Messi had not yet joined Inter Miami when Sporting KC pursued Ronaldo, emphasizing the league’s ambition to attract global superstars.

The Role of Patrick Mahomes

Sporting Kansas City leveraged local star power to woo Ronaldo. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who owns a stake in Sporting KC, was prepared to personally explain the benefits of life as a sports icon in Kansas City. The positive feedback from initial meetings had the club’s senior figures convinced they were close to securing Ronaldo’s signature.

Challenges and Realities

Despite the promising negotiations, several factors hindered Ronaldo’s potential move to MLS. High costs and the ongoing publicity surrounding rape allegations against him in the US contributed to a “quiet acceptance” among MLS executives that a transfer was unlikely. Kathryn Mayorga accused Ronaldo of raping her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009, an allegation he vehemently denied. Although Ronaldo reached an out-of-court settlement with Mayorga in 2010, a subsequent lawsuit was dismissed in 2022.

The Missed Opportunity

Ronaldo’s decision to join Al Nassr instead of Sporting Kansas City marked a missed opportunity for both the player and MLS. For Ronaldo, it would have been a chance to expand his brand in the United States and potentially shape the future of American soccer through an ownership role. For MLS, securing Ronaldo’s talents would have significantly elevated the league’s profile and global appeal.