MLS Should Prioritise Signing Of Cristiano Ronaldo In 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo is open to leaving the Saudi Pro League upon the expiry of his current contract at Al Nassr. The 39 year old does not plan to retire in 2025 and will look to continue his career.
The record breaking forward is open to returning to Europe in a bid to add to his existing array of silverware. However, there is one league in particular outside of Europe that would benefit incredibly from the arrival of Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami in 2023 and has gone on to bring a whole host of eyes to MLS. The top flight in North America is often misunderstood by European football fans.
Formerly labeled as a ’retirement home’ for aged European stars, MLS is no longer a place where superstars go to finish their career. In fact, MLS is now becoming a league exporting young talent to Europe and South America.
There are a host of teams in MLS that could make a move for Ronaldo, in what would be an incredibly smart decision for the select team and league itself.
Marketing Madness
Picture the headlines. Ronaldo and Messi, one more time, the two greatest players going head to head in the States. The marketing power the signing of Ronaldo would have for the league would be nothing short of incredible.
Messi and Ronaldo facing off in pursuit of the MLS Cup would be a global attraction. Ronaldo’s presence would also help sell out a number of fixtures across the country, as did the arrival of Messi.
Sponsorship deals for player, league and club would also be an incredible cash generator with the possibilities within the American commercial world having no limit.
Next Generation
Many younger players who are struggling to hit their heights in Europe are starting to look at MLS as a league to develop and perform in front of millions. Take Riqui Puig as one of the phenomenal examples.
The 25 year old left Barcelona as a free agent and has helped deliver LA Galaxy an MLS Cup trophy for the first time in 10 years.
Puig has become a star in the States and has already attracted interest from many clubs in Europe over a possible return to the continent.
Not only are players from Europe, but young stars from South America are choosing a move to MLS instead of heading straight to Europe, the likes of Jhon Duran being a fantastic example of that process.
MLS does produce homegrown talent, the most successful example in recent memory being Alphonso Davies.
The presence of both Ronaldo and Messi playing football in the country would only boost the popularity of the sport amongst the younger generation at home.
Inspiring them to follow the football path at college and high school level and eventually joining pro academy’s across the country.
Who Could Sign Ronaldo?
This is probably the toughest part of the process given the league regulations and rules. A big franchise such as LA Galaxy, LAFC or any of the two New York sides spring to mind.
However, these clubs would need to have a DP spot available and be able to handle the inevitable super salary the star would request.
In my opinion, the best suited club for Ronaldo would be LA Galaxy.
The star would undoubtedly enjoy living in Los Angeles and the Galaxy play Inter Miami in the 2025 season - believe it or not this would be a huge factor in the process.
Ronaldo To MLS: Reality Or Not?
At this moment it seems unlikely that MLS would be a top destination for Ronaldo. The forward will either resign in Saudi Arabia or return to Europe.
However, MLS could tempt Ronaldo into a dream of his, which involves club ownership. The league could tempt Ronaldo into a similar deal of which David Beckham agreed to.
Beckham negotiated the right to purchase an MLS Expansion team for $25million after he retired.
Time will tell regarding Ronaldo’s future in football but one thing's for certain. Wherever Ronaldo decides to go, the headlines and mass media attention are certain to follow.