Imagine Cristiano Ronaldo lighting up the USA — would Ronaldo go to MLS? It’s a question fans whisper, pundits debate, and headline writers can’t resist. Today SantaKick will break down the reality behind the rumors, the obstacles, what makes it possible, and whether it’s really likely.
Why MLS Seems Like an Option
There are several reasons why the idea of would Ronaldo go to MLS doesn’t sound as far-fetched as it might have a few years ago.
- His contract with Al-Nassr was set to expire in summer 2025, which triggered speculation that he might look for a “final chapter” somewhere else.
- MLS has made itself more attractive: higher pay for designated players, growing league quality, international visibility (especially with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in U.S., Canada, Mexico).
- Fans, media, and some former players have openly called for or floated his transfer to MLS, especially in markets like Miami, Los Angeles, or New York. A “soap-opera” idea of Ronaldo vs Messi in the same American league draws eyeballs.
So, in terms of demand and appeal, MLS checks many of the boxes that might attractonaldo: prestige, money, lifestyle, commercial opportunities, and a chance to be part of U.S. soccer’s growth.
What Makes A Move to MLS Difficult
Even with those pull factors, there are a lot of hurdles standing in the way of would Ronaldo go to MLS becoming a reality.
Contract & Commitment
- Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr until 2027. That means he is tied down, at least contractually, for two more years.
- At this stage of his career, leaving early would mean negotiating release clauses or mutual termination — these are rarely simple, especially with big clubs paying big money.
Financial & Regulatory Constraints
- MLS operates with a strict salary cap system, even for Designated Players (DPs). club trying to bring in Ronaldo would need an open DP slot and likely massive commercial justification to offset his wages.
- Even if a club had the funds, there’s the issue of matching Ronaldo’s expectations not just for salary, but also for playing conditions, support staff, marketing, image rights, etc.
Level of Competition & Ambition
- Ronaldo has publicly said that the Saudi Pro League has grown rapidly and, in comparison to MLS, is superior in certain respects. He’s indicated that people don’t always understand how much Saudi football has improved.
- He remains ambitious: Ronaldo still chases records, trophies, challenges. Moving to MLS might be seen as a “step down” in competitiveness versus Europe or Asia, depending on ambitions.
What Recent Developments Tell Us
To know whether would Ronaldo go to MLS is just rumor or a likely next step,t’s look at the most recent facts and moves.
- In June 2025, Ronaldo extended his contract with Al-Nassr until 2027. That significantly reduces the immediate possibility of a move.
- Earlier, he posted cryptic messages like “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.” Fans read those as hints toward a transfer, maybe to MLS or elsewhere. But because of the contract extension, those seem more emotional than actionable.
- He has also spoken publicly about MLS in interviews — both dismissing some rumors (calling them uninformed) and acknowledging that MLS is a growing league. But his tone suggests caution, not immediate commitment.
Which MLS Clubs Might Try If It Were Possible
Even though the current deal means “if” is far off, here are clubs that could realistically make a push for Ronaldo under the right conditions:
- Inter Miami CF — Already home to Lionel Messi, they have the profile and money, plus the marketing pull.
- LA Galaxy or Los Angeles FC — Big markets, big sponsors, potential to build around a global icon.
- New York clubs — NYFC or Red Bulls possibly. High visibility, global brand, strong commercial infrastructure.
Each of these would need to clear rosters, open DP slots, and build a proposal compelling enough to attract someone of Ronaldo’s status.
Prediction: Is It Likely?
Here’s where SantaKick stands, based on the evidence:
- Short-term (next 1-2 years): Very unlikely. The contract with Al-Nassr until 2027, combined with Ronaldo’s continued competitive ambitions, suggests he will stay.
- Mid-term (post-2027): More plausible. When he’s closer to retirement, the pull of MLS might grow stronger — as a chance to play in the U.S., engage with new audiences, less pressure perhaps, more off the pitch opportunities.
So: would Ronaldo go to MLS? It’s not out of the question ever, but it’s not imminent either.
Conclusion
Would Ronaldo go to MLS? Right now, that question leans toward “not yet.” SantaKick sees the contracts, the ambitions, and the competitive landscape all favoring his stay in Saudi Arabia until at least 2027. But the possibility isn’t dead — once that contract ends, the U.S. could become an appealing destination for the final chapters of a living legend’s story.
If you want, SantaKick can keep you updated with changing transfer rumors, salary estimates, and which MLS teams are positioning themselves. Want me to track that?
