Cristiano Ronaldo Nearly Joined MLS with Ownership Stake Before Saudi Arabia Move
Ronaldo was in advanced talks with Sporting Kansas City (SKC), a major player in the MLS, before finalizing his move to Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary footballer, came close to joining an MLS club before ultimately deciding to move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr. The negotiations with the MLS club included a groundbreaking proposal that featured a potential ownership stake as part of the deal.
Ronaldo was in advanced talks with Sporting Kansas City (SKC), a major player in the MLS, before finalizing his move to Al-Nassr. The discussions were intense and detailed, with SKC offering a highly attractive package that included substantial wages and a commercial partnership. This deal was significant enough to warrant multiple meetings, illustrating the club's serious intent to bring Ronaldo on board.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the negotiations was the inclusion of an ownership stake. This offer was designed to not only entice Ronaldo with immediate financial benefits but also to provide him with a long-term role in the club and league, potentially influencing MLS's growth and popularity. The ownership stake would have allowed Ronaldo to have a vested interest in the success and development of the team, marking a strategic move by the MLS to integrate high-profile players more deeply into their organizational structures.
Despite the lucrative and appealing offer from Sporting Kansas City, Ronaldo ultimately chose to join Al-Nassr. The Saudi club's offer reportedly included a football salary close to $90 million per year, with additional commercial and sponsorship deals pushing his total earnings to around $200 million annually. This immense financial package was a decisive factor in his choice, coupled with the opportunity to continue playing at a high competitive level in a new environment.
Ronaldo's near move to MLS underscores the league's ambitions and its ability to attract top-tier talent with innovative offers like ownership stakes. While the deal did not come to fruition, it sets a precedent for how MLS clubs might approach negotiations with other global superstars in the future. The league's willingness to explore such groundbreaking deals demonstrates its commitment to becoming a premier destination for world-class players.
As the football world continues to evolve, the MLS remains a key player in the global sports landscape, continually seeking ways to enhance its appeal and competitiveness. Ronaldo's near acquisition is a testament to the league's potential and the innovative strategies it employs to achieve its goals.
