Cristiano Ronaldo at 40: Can he still dominate MLS?

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t merely defying age. He’s redefining the way longevity is viewed in modern football. Fresh off a record-setting campaign in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, Ronaldo scored 35 goals and contributed four assists across 41 matches. Those numbers aren’t just impressive for a veteran; they’re exceptional in any context. He continues to find the back of the net with the same ruthlessness that defined his peak years in Europe, suggesting that while his game has changed, his instinct for goal remains razor sharp.

Even as whispers grow louder about a potential move to MLS, particularly Inter Miami, questions linger. Can Ronaldo replicate that dominance in an unfamiliar league, in a country with a different playing culture, against defenders who are often younger, faster, and molded by a different tactical environment? Can his game, now more reliant on positioning and anticipation than pace, hold up over a full MLS season?

Ronaldo’s recent form invites both optimism and skepticism. His astonishing scoring rate in Saudi Arabia underscores his mastery in the penalty box. Whether it was towering headers, composed finishes inside the six-yard box, or trademark penalties, Ronaldo showcased a toolkit honed over two decades at the highest level. Each goal felt like a case study in experience over explosiveness. He rarely wastes movement, choosing instead to appear in the right place at the right time, again and again.

Still, MLS presents a unique test. The league is notoriously physical, stretched by travel demands, climate variation, and a tempo that can shift wildly within matches. Players in their prime find it exhausting. At 40, Ronaldo would face inevitable wear and tear. His defensive work rate has long been a point of tactical discussion, and in a system that values pressing and transition defense, his presence could create structural imbalances. Any team that signs him will need to build carefully around his profile, protecting him from defensive strain while amplifying his strengths.

Yet for all the tactical caveats, there’s no mistaking Ronaldo’s draw. He remains one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. His arrival in MLS would be seismic. Clubs wouldn’t just be signing a forward. They’d be signing a global enterprise, a guaranteed ticket seller, a broadcast magnet. The question is whether, in 2025, Ronaldo still has enough in the tank to justify both the spotlight and the strain. Based on recent evidence, he just might.

How Ronaldo fits into MLS

Tactically, Ronaldo can still thrive. He remains an elite aerial threat and penalty-box predator. MLS defenses, often vulnerable to set pieces, could struggle to contain him. Clubs like Inter Miami—with players capable of precise service such as Lionel Messi—might find Ronaldo particularly lethal. Yet, MLS also favors younger, faster attackers who press energetically. Ronaldo’s unwillingness or inability to track back defensively could expose teams tactically.

His potential move to MLS isn’t solely about sporting performance. Ronaldo’s presence would bring immense commercial appeal, driving record jersey sales, increased stadium attendance, and lucrative broadcast deals. For any MLS club, signing Ronaldo represents not just a sporting ambition but a strategic business decision.

Whether Ronaldo, at 40, can dominate MLS is a nuanced question. He likely won’t match his European-era exploits entirely, but in key moments—playoffs, derbies, decisive fixtures—he could still be match-defining. His adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence remain his strongest assets, qualities MLS clubs betting on Ronaldo will count on to ensure he’s not just a marquee name but a marquee performer.