The Shocking Reason MLS Teams Are Powerless to Land Cristiano Ronaldo
At 41 years of age and operating on the fringes of contemporary football, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to command global media attention with remarkable consistency.
The Portuguese superstar has captured worldwide focus this past week following reports of his protest at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceives as insufficient transfer market ambition compared to other PIF-backed teams in the region—Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Ahli.
While the validity of Ronaldo's concerns remains debatable, it appears the transfer of his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal was the final straw. The Saudi Pro League has subsequently issued a formal warning to the experienced forward, further fueling speculation about a potential departure when the season concludes.
Major League Soccer has emerged as a potential landing spot for the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, though financial obstacles could derail any such transfer.
The Reason MLS Can't Afford Cristiano Ronaldo
The Reason MLS Can't Afford Cristiano Ronaldo
MLS presents an appealing opportunity for Ronaldo, particularly as it would enable him to reignite his legendary rivalry with Lionel Messi, however his extraordinary compensation package remains the primary obstacle to any potential agreement.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United icon currently receives an incredible weekly salary, collecting an astounding $4.73 million every seven days at Al Nassr. This amounts to approximately $246 million annually, not including performance bonuses that allegedly reach around $50 million yearly.
Only Saudi Arabia can realistically support such compensation levels, as demonstrated by Lionel Messi's relatively modest income by comparison.
After his contract renewal with Inter Miami CF in October 2025, Messi's guaranteed annual compensation totals $20.4 million—less than half of Ronaldo's bonus payments alone.
Messi also ranks as MLS's top earner. LAFC's Son Heung-min follows at $11.1 million per year, with Atlanta United's Miguel Almirón third at $7.9 million, according to the MLS Players Association.
Ronaldo would need to accept a massive salary reduction to realistically join the league. Whether the striker would consider such a compromise remains uncertain, though numerous MLS franchises would eagerly pursue his signature under those circumstances.
Can European Clubs Afford Cristiano Ronaldo?
Can European Clubs Afford Cristiano Ronaldo?
If MLS cannot accommodate Ronaldo's current earnings structure, what about a European comeback?
The situation remains largely unchanged. Ronaldo's earnings still exceed those of any European-based footballer by a substantial margin, necessitating a dramatic salary reduction for any continental return.
Erling Haaland is considered Europe's highest-paid player with his substantial Manchester City wages, yet these remain dwarfed by Ronaldo's compensation. The Norwegian allegedly receives approximately $718,000 weekly—less than one-sixth of Ronaldo's weekly earnings—with Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé close behind at $710,000 per week.
Even Europe's most prestigious and financially powerful leagues cannot feasibly match Ronaldo's present salary demands.