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27.10.2021 » Will Ronaldo ever make a move to the US?
The Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown in popularity over the past two decades. The growth of the competitions has attracted some of the biggest names in world football to the United States. Heavy investment and lucrative sponsorship deals have seen players like David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry and Andrea Pirlo play out their twilight years in the MLS. One of the most recent players to be linked with a move to the MLS is Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite impressing at Old Trafford this season at the age of 36, Ronaldo may have one eye on moving to the US once his two-year contract with United expires. Some recent odds reflect that a move could be on the horizon for the Portuguese superstar, and there could be good value as betting on soccer is growing increasingly in popularity in the US, especially betting on mobile on the new range of soccer betting apps available in the market. A lot of states have legalised sports betting, or are in the process of legalizing sports gambling which could help fuel the growth of the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo - A 36-year old youngster:
Would Ronaldo move in the twilight years of his career?
A move to the MLS for Ronaldo may not happen immediately due to his high-profile summer move from Juventus to Man United. But the short-term contract, which will keep Ronaldo at Old Trafford until June 2023, maybe a sign that there is one more future move for the superstar.
Ronaldo has already shown that he can compete at the highest level of football recently. He has scored 12 goals in 12 appearances for club and country this season, including five in nine appearances for Man United since joining in late August. Therefore, he is likely to remain at United for the foreseeable future.
However, he will be 38 by the time his contract expires and given his professional, hard-working nature, the Portuguese talisman may not be ready to hang up his boots.
In fact, many of the world’s best players moved to the MLS in their latter years and excelled in the league. David Beckham, for example, joined LA Galaxy in 2007, aged 32, and the English superstar enjoyed a successful five years at the club and won the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012.
Thierry Henry was another big-name player who saw out his career in the US. Henry joined the New York Red Bulls after a glittering career in European football with Arsenal and Barcelona. The Frenchman was 33 when he joined the Red Bulls, and he remained at the club for four years, scoring 52 goals in 135 appearances and winning the Supporter's Shield in 2013.
The level of competitiveness may suit Ronaldo, who has won five Ballon d'Or, five Champions League trophies, a European Championship title, three Premier League titles, and two La Liga titles.
How would Ronaldo have an impact on the MLS?
Aside from giving Ronaldo a new challenge in his later career, the Portuguese forward could have a huge impact on the profile of the MLS. Ronaldo is a world-renowned football star who has a massive global reach and this would help to boost the profile of the MLS.
When David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007, it was a monumental moment for the MLS on and off the pitch. His arrival in Los Angeles changed the way MLS clubs could sign players, and the league changed its rules and the Law of Franchise Player to allow easier transfers for foreign players.
The impact of LA Galaxy signing Beckham later opened the door for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henry, Rooney and several other superstars to join MLS clubs in the late 2000s and 2010s. All of whom raised the profile of the league and brought it to a global audience.
In relation to Ronaldo, his arrival could influence a new era of the MLS. If Ronaldo were to join an MLS club in the near future, it could open the floodgates for more football stars to join the league in their late careers.
There is also a financial lure for the MLS to try and recruit Ronaldo, even if for a season or two. The Portuguese captain reportedly made £88million from wages and sponsorship in 2020, highlighting his value to a global market.
Sponsors such as Nike, Herbalife, Clear Haircare and Tag Heuer have sponsored Ronaldo in the past. If a move materialised to the US for Ronaldo, more suitors would undoubtedly be interested, which would bring greater revenue to the league.
Cristiano Ronaldo next game for Manchester United is on October 30, against Tottenham. You can watch Tottenham vs Manchester United, Real Madrid vs Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona, West Ham vs Manchester City, Burnley vs Tottenham, and Preston vs Liverpool, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.
Manchester United next game:
Tottenham vs Manchester United kick-off time (30-10-2021):
Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 00:30
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 23:30
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 22:00
Italy (Turin) | UTC/GMT+2: 18:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 18:30
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 17:30
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 14:30
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 13:30
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 10:30
Sources: ronaldo7.net / bbc.co.uk / givemesport.com / theguardian.com
