Christiano Ronaldo was rumored to consider the MLS in 2023 when he was looking for a new club. He passed up his chance to make the late-career move to America and instead went to the Saudi Pro League.
The Club World Cup approaching was an indicator that Ronaldo could be headed to a team that would be competing in this world event. Ronaldo is one of the biggest names in the world of sports.
Every team that Ronaldo has played for has gotten twice the amount of eyes on them. Just like Lionel Messi, Ronaldo has become his walking, breathing economy, no matter what country he is in.
The MLS wants to add another world-famous name to its league to draw in more eyes and get more subscribers into their MLS package through Apple TV+.
I am going to go through the two for sure teams in the World Cup, as well as the possible third team that is qualifying, and discuss what I think their chances are that they can end up with the star.
Inter Miami
I know what you are thinking, too many stars are on this team, how would they pull this off? The truth is that the MLS would rearrange rules and money to make this possible.
I can’t imagine that Inter Miami would be Ronaldo’s preferred playing situation, as he has always been the star on a club that needed one with a legendary tradition. Real Madrid, Man United, and Juventus are all solid options for him at the time.
With a crowded roster of older stars who are friends and former teammates with Messi, it would not be the best fit for Ronaldo. The biggest draw to Miami is the weather and the draw the city has on fluent Spanish speakers.
It would be the most star-studded team in MLS history in terms of big names. The question is, can Ronaldo and Messi put their pride aside to team up?
Seattle Sounders
Seattle is one of the many accomplished teams in the MLS. When you think of all-time great teams, the Sounders have a few squads on that list.
Seattle is in the middle of the playoff picture as they look to make a Summer push to the top of the West. In the middle of their playoff push is the Club World Cup, with a special transfer window they can take advantage of.
Seattle sounds like a key destination for a player like Ronaldo; the only thing going against them is that the weather may take them out of the running for the star.
Seattle has been a popular mid-major town for athletes to call home when drafted in other sports. Unfortunately, the weather has discouraged free agents from skipping Los Angeles or New York for Seattle.
There still is a chance, if Ronaldo is keen on going to America and picking an MLS club to call home, Seattle fits the bill. If they lose out to one of the other World Cup teams, it will be because Seattle isn’t viewed as a dream retirement spot in the eyes of Ronaldo.
LAFC
On May 31st, we will know if LAFC will be in the Club World Cup, this is due to a Mexican club has been removed from the World Cup due to violating the rules. For this situation, we will act as if LAFC is already in and looking to add a star to their squad to put them over the top.
LAFC, similar to Seattle, is in the middle of the pack, sitting right on the fourth seed in the Western Conference. This puts LAFC in a spot to offer big money during the special transfer window.
LAFC has a competitive, strong tradition, loyal fans, and is an ideal place where Ronaldo will want to retire while playing his last few years. The addition of Ronaldo would make LAFC the most talented team in the West and an instant title contender.
With the weather being as it is in LA means soccer year round at the youth levels, this will be in the back of Ronaldo’s head when thinking of his kids and their playing future. If LAFC makes the World Cup, they could appear to be a contender for one of the greatest players the world has ever seen.
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