The MLS Just Can’t Afford Cristiano Ronaldo
Although Cristiano Ronaldo has already returned to training with Al-Nassr, the dissatisfaction reported in recent days could become the first step toward a possible break with the Saudi club. With the Portuguese star approaching 41 years old, speculation is beginning to grow about his future and potential destinations in the transfer market.
The main obstacle to any departure is his historic salary. According to Marca, CR7 recently signed a contract extension worth more than $230 million per year for two seasons, requiring the club to pay around $19 million per month — a figure that is virtually impossible for most teams in the world to afford.
MLS, a complicated option
Major League Soccer (MLS) often appears as a possible destination whenever Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is discussed, but any move would likely depend on a significant salary reduction.
To put the gap into perspective, Lionel Messi, star of Inter Miami, is the highest-paid player in MLS with an annual salary of $20.4 million, according to the league’s official salary figures. The Argentine earns a base salary of about $12 million, supplemented by bonuses and guaranteed compensation.
The controversy at Al-Nassr
Uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future increased after the Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that the forward refused to play against Al-Riyadh due to his discontent with the management of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
According to the report, Ronaldo believes that other clubs backed by the same fund, such as Al-Hilal, have received better financial support and transfer resources, creating tension within Al-Nassr.
