Cristiano Ronaldo may be packing his bags and heading overseas in the near future. The 30-year-old soccer superstar has expressed interest in playing for the MLS here in the United States after his contract with Real Madrid expires in 2018. He would be an extremely valuable addition to the bevy of European soccer players that have already transitioned from the UEFA to Major League Soccer in recent years. Not only would Ronaldo draw in soccer fans from all around the world to see him play, but as one of the best soccer players of all time, he could also help to grow the popularity of the sport in the U.S.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl, Ronaldo has said that he wants to play in Los Angeles when he leaves Madrid. Los Angeles is currently home to the LA Galaxy and in 2017, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will be joining the Galaxy as the second L.A.-based team in the MLS. If Ronaldo were to sign with the Galaxy, he could continue the legacy of elite players who have played for the team, including David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Steven Gerrard, all while helping the team to remain a powerhouse. However, if the new LAFC team were to sign him, adding Ronaldo to the roster would be a great way to build up hype and visibility around a new franchise.
If and when Ronaldo makes the move to the MLS, it will be the biggest signing for the league since David Beckham in 2007. The Galaxy and the LAFC better up their game over the next couple of years if they want to be able to claim Cristiano Ronaldo as the face of their franchise.
