Sofia Quijada
Ronaldo’s Paris Saint-Germain Switch Almost Materialized
June 2018 – Cristiano Ronaldo ended his nine-year tenure at Real Madrid after lifting the Champions League trophy in Kyiv. The Portuguese forward announced his departure in a televised statement, triggering a frenzy of speculation about his next destination. While Juventus ultimately secured his signature, Paris Saint-Germain emerged as a serious contender.
Patrice Evra revealed in an interview with RMC Sports that Ronaldo weighed multiple offers that summer. The French club stood out among them.
“Cristiano was genuinely interested in PSG’s project. He also considered Chelsea and Juventus, but the only club he ruled out entirely was Arsenal.”
PSG’s pursuit of Ronaldo wasn’t new. The club had eyed him as early as 2012, when tensions flared between the player and Florentino Pérez. Reports suggested Ronaldo pushed for a move to Paris then, but the transfer collapsed. By 2018, PSG sought another marquee signing after landing Neymar the previous year. A Ronaldo-Mbappé partnership could have reshaped European football – but the deal never materialized.
Why Juventus Won the Race
Ronaldo’s eventual move to Turin hinged on Juventus’ aggressive pitch. The Serie A giants offered a three-year contract worth €30 million annually, plus performance bonuses. PSG’s financial package paled in comparison, despite their ambition.
“The numbers didn’t add up for Paris. Juventus presented a clearer vision – both on and off the pitch.”
After leaving Juventus in 2021, Ronaldo’s name resurfaced in PSG rumors. This time, he opted for a return to Manchester United. The French club’s pursuit of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains one of football’s great “what ifs.”
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