Why Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo as He Sought a European Stay Before Al-Nassr Move

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund stunningly rejected Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer icon, forcing his move to Al-Nassr after his European plea

The Untold Saga: How Cristiano Ronaldo’s European Ambitions Collapsed Before His Saudi Move

In the world of football, Cristiano ‘s quest for a fresh start in Europe after his fallout captivated fans and analysts alike. This exclusive insight reveals the behind-the-scenes drama, where the iconic forward’s representatives pitched him to top German clubs, only to face unexpected resistance. Drawing from recent revelations, including updated statistics on Ronaldo’s prolific scoring in the -where he’s netted over 60 goals since joining- this story highlights the delicate balance between star power and team dynamics in modern football.

  • Ronaldo’s representative Mendes proposed him to both
  • Bayern’s executive Kahn verified that initial discussions occurred regarding a possible transfer
  • The celebrated Portuguese player ultimately signed with

Why Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo as He Sought a European Stay Before Al-Nassr MoveWhy Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo as He Sought a European Stay Before Al-Nassr MoveWhy Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo as He Sought a European Stay Before Al-Nassr MoveWhy Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund Rejected Cristiano Ronaldo as He Sought a European Stay Before Al-Nassr Move

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Push for a European Comeback

Post his contentious departure from Manchester in late 2022, the Portuguese phenomenon set his sights on prolonging his elite career within Europe’s competitive leagues. His agent meticulously crafted presentations for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing the worldwide appeal and commercial advantages that Ronaldo could deliver, much like how a blockbuster signing boosts a franchise’s global profile. Yet, despite these efforts, both clubs ultimately opted not to proceed, as detailed in Christian Falk’s insightful publication from Bild, marking a pivotal shift in Ronaldo’s path toward the Middle East.

Internal Debates at Bayern Munich

Amid Ronaldo’s rocky phase at Old Trafford under manager Erik ten Hag, Bayern’s leadership engaged in serious deliberations about acquiring the veteran striker. However, reservations soon surfaced, with executives worrying that his high-profile persona might disrupt team harmony and upset the established pay structure. At the time, Bayern’s leading earner, Robert Lewandowski, commanded around €24 million annually, whereas Ronaldo sought a comparable package to his £24 million at United. In today’s context, with inflation in player wages, such deals could exceed €30 million, underscoring the financial caution that influenced Bayern’s stance and preserved their long-term squad stability.

Borussia Dortmund’s Calculated Risk Assessment

Similarly, Dortmund evaluated the proposal but concluded that the potential marketing gains were overshadowed by the challenges of integrating a star of Ronaldo’s caliber. The club’s decision reflected a broader trend among Europe’s top teams to prioritize cohesive group dynamics over the immediate buzz of a global icon. For instance, while Mendes highlighted lucrative merchandising opportunities, Dortmund dismissed these as insufficient to offset the sporting and economic uncertainties, drawing parallels to how teams like have navigated high-wage superstars in recent years.

Direct Quotes and Final Rejections

Mendes conveyed to Bayern officials that aligning with Ronaldo would fulfill a monumental career milestone for the player. Nevertheless, key figures like CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic determined that Ronaldo’s style didn’t align with the club’s core principles. Kahn articulated, “We realized that, regardless of our respect for his talents, he wouldn’t mesh with our approach at that moment.” Dortmund, on the other hand, outright rejected the financial projections, viewing them as overly ambitious and not aligned with their youth-focused strategy.

The Shift to a New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

With no viable options emerging in Europe, Ronaldo’s time at Manchester United wrapped up suddenly in November 2022 after his public clash with Ten Hag. Following the Qatar , he made the leap to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he’s thrived, shattering records with over 60 goals in less than two years and continuing to perform at 39 years old-proving his enduring impact on the game. This transition not only redefined his career but also spotlighted how elite European clubs maintain their internal balance to avoid short-term disruptions for fleeting fame.

Insights contributed by Jonas Rutten.