Cristiano Ronaldo's Future Forecast: 41% Chance of MLS Move

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup exit has sparked widespread speculation about his future, with Oddschecker models predicting a 41% chance of an MLS move.

What happened?

Portugal's Round of 16 defeat to Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has left fans and pundits alike wondering what's next for the 41-year-old superstar. According to Oddschecker, Ronaldo has a 25% chance of heading to North America for next season, with a 15% chance of returning to the Premier League, specifically Manchester United.

Why it matters for Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's current contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia expires in 2027, but the buyout clause is a whopping €50 million. This has led to speculation about whether the Portuguese international will opt for a move to a new league or remain in the Middle East.

What comes next?

The models at Oddschecker also predict a 9% chance of Ronaldo returning to Real Madrid, a move that would be a significant development in the world of football. With the Euro 2028 on the horizon, Ronaldo's participation is far from certain, with the models suggesting a 33% chance of him playing for Portugal at the age of 43.

While the idea of Ronaldo joining a North American club may seem far-fetched, it's not entirely impossible. With the likes of David Beckham having made the move to MLS in the past, it's clear that the door is open for other high-profile players to follow suit.

However, there's one major hurdle to clear before a major move: Ronaldo's current contract with Al Nassr. The two-year deal signed in 2025 would either have to expire before CR7 could move to North America, or the acquiring club would have to pay the buyout clause in his contract.

The Athletic reported back in February that Ronaldo's contract comes with a €50 million buyout clause, which would need to be paid by any club looking to sign him. This has led to speculation about whether Ronaldo will opt for a move to a new league or remain in the Middle East.

It would be interesting to see Ronaldo and Lionel Messi face off in the same league one last time, but for now, the speculation will continue until CR7's current contract expires next summer.

And with the Euro 2028 on the horizon, Ronaldo's participation is far from certain, with the models suggesting a 33% chance of him playing for Portugal at the age of 43.