How Ronaldo, Modric and Neymar missed out on MLS moves

Major League Soccer came close to landing several of football’s biggest names, but Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Neymar ultimately chose other paths.

Ronaldo drew interest from MLS clubs in 2022 as he approached the end of his time at Juventus. LA Galaxy and Inter Miami were linked with the Portugal forward, while Sporting Kansas City emerged as one of the strongest contenders. Ronaldo was on the club’s discovery list, giving Sporting the right to negotiate before other MLS teams.

Meetings with Ronaldo’s representatives reportedly continued for about a month, and the talks advanced far enough for a move to appear possible. Financing the deal proved difficult, however, and persuading Ronaldo to move to the United States presented another obstacle. Unhappy during his second spell at Manchester United, he instead accepted a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Nassr.

Modric also attracted MLS interest as his Real Madrid contract neared its end in 2024. San Diego FC and Inter Miami reportedly explored a deal, but the Croatian midfielder extended his Madrid contract for another year. He captained the club during his final season before leaving for AC Milan in July 2025. San Diego FC also considered former Real Madrid players Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas, though neither move materialised.

Neymar represented another potential blockbuster signing. Inter Miami reportedly hoped to reunite Messi, Suarez and Neymar, the former Barcelona attacking trio, in the United States. That prospect faded when Neymar extended his contract with Santos for a year in January 2026. With the deal due to expire in December, he is expected to retire, ending the possibility of an MLS reunion.