Ronaldo, Modric, Neymar: How Football Superstars Missed Blockbuster MLS Moves

Major League Soccer (MLS) has increasingly attracted some of the biggest names in world football, but several high-profile moves involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Neymar failed to materialise despite reported interest from clubs in the United States.

Among the most notable cases was Ronaldo, who was linked with a move to MLS in 2022 as he approached the end of his second spell at Manchester United. At 37, the Portugal captain was considering his options after previously starring for Juventus.

Several MLS clubs reportedly explored the possibility of signing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, with Inter Miami and LA Galaxy among those linked. Sporting Kansas City was also reported to be one of the strongest contenders after placing Ronaldo on its discovery list, giving the club priority to negotiate with him ahead of other MLS teams.

Reports indicated that Sporting Kansas City held discussions with Ronaldo’s representatives over several weeks, with negotiations progressing to the point where a move appeared possible. However, the financial demands involved and Ronaldo’s willingness to relocate to MLS ultimately proved difficult to overcome.

Ronaldo instead opted for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Nassr after becoming dissatisfied with his situation at Manchester United. His decision ended MLS clubs’ hopes of adding one of football’s biggest global stars to their league at that stage of his career.

Luka Modric was another Real Madrid legend who attracted MLS attention. As the Croatian midfielder approached the end of his contract with Madrid in 2024, San Diego FC and Inter Miami were reportedly interested in bringing the veteran playmaker to the United States.

Modric ultimately chose to remain at Real Madrid for another season, wearing the captain’s armband during his final campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu before leaving for AC Milan in July 2025.

San Diego FC also reportedly explored moves for former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Keylor Navas, but neither deal was completed, further highlighting the difficulty of turning MLS interest in established European stars into transfers.

Neymar was another superstar whose potential MLS move generated significant attention. Inter Miami had reportedly considered the possibility of reuniting Neymar with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, creating a reunion of the club’s celebrated attacking trio in the United States.

That possibility faded after Neymar extended his stay with Brazilian club Santos in January 2026 on a one-year contract. With the agreement scheduled to expire in December, reports have suggested that the Brazilian forward could be approaching retirement, further reducing the chances of an MLS reunion with Messi and Suárez.

Although the proposed transfers never happened, the pursuit of players such as Ronaldo, Modric, Neymar, Ramos and Navas demonstrates the growing ambition of MLS clubs to attract established global stars and strengthen the league’s international profile.