When it was pitched to Patrick Mahomes that the Kansas City MLS team was interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo, the NFL star didn’t hesitate to reply. When it became clear that Cristiano Ronaldo might be available after being let go by Manchester United, teams from around the world began to pursue the Portuguese superstar.
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Among those teams was Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer. Who saw an opportunity to bring one of the greatest soccer players of all time to the Midwest. Sporting Kansas City had been in talks with Ronaldo’s camp for some time, and things were progressing well.
Patrick Mahomes’ response to the potential signing of Ronaldo
Part-owner and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was excited about the possibility of bringing Ronaldo to Kansas City. Mahomes is one of the most marketable NFL athletes and also owns a small piece of Sporting Kansas City.
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Mahomes saw the signing of Ronaldo as a way to elevate the profile of both the Chiefs and Sporting KC. When Mahomes was informed about the possibility of signing Ronaldo, he quickly replied, “Let’s do it. What do you need from me?”
Best quotes of the Ronaldo to #SKC piece from @SamMcDowell11: pic.twitter.com/9uyOVBl6tm
— MLS Transfers (@MLSTransfers) January 1, 2023
Unfortunately, Ronaldo chose to sign with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia for an estimated $200 million. While Kansas City didn’t land Ronaldo, Mahomes’ quick and enthusiastic response was a sign of the city’s commitment to becoming a soccer destination.
Cristiano Ronaldo Record Breaking Al Nassr transfer
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr FC came as a shock to the soccer world, but it’s a move that makes perfect sense for the Portuguese superstar. The two-year contract, which will keep Ronaldo with the Saudi Arabian club until 2025, is worth a staggering $80 million per year. That’s $200 million in total, with commercial deals pushing the total even higher.
Here’s Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr shirt after contract signed until June 2025 🚨🇵🇹🇸🇦 #Ronaldo
▫️ Agreement valid for two years and half;
▫️ Total salary will be close to €200m per year, but this includes commercial deal.
It’s the biggest salary ever in football. pic.twitter.com/ZnOg8lY6Wb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 30, 2022
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It’s the biggest contract in the history of soccer. And it’s certainly one that Ronaldo couldn’t turn down. Now, Ronaldo will be playing in the Saudi Pro League which is not at the same level as the top European leagues. However, it is still a competitive league and Ronaldo’s presence will definitely elevate the league. We will have to wait and see how this story unfolds. But one thing is for sure, Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is a record-breaking one in many ways.
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