Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Barcelona: Magic Ronaldo and Messi in the same team wow 2003

Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo, the greatest footballer in history, has made a stunning revelation about his early career—he was close to joining Barcelona before signing with Manchester United in 2003. Speaking in an interview with journalist Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito de Jugones, Ronaldo disclosed that Barcelona had scouted him during his time at Sporting Lisbon, but Manchester United swooped in before a deal could be finalized.

This revelation has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, as it raises the tantalizing question: What if Ronaldo had played alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona? Their legendary rivalry in La Liga could have taken a completely different turn.

Let’s dive into Ronaldo’s untold transfer story, how Manchester United changed his destiny, and what football might have looked like if he had chosen Barcelona.

Ronaldo’s Surprising Barcelona Revelation: Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo, then a young talent at Sporting Lisbon, was one of the most sought-after players in Europe. His exceptional dribbling, speed, and goal-scoring ability caught the attention of multiple top clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal.

Ronaldo’s Words on His Near Move to Barcelona

Speaking about the Barcelona interest, Ronaldo said:

“Yes, it was when I was playing at Sporting Lisbon and I had the opportunity to join various clubs, one of which was Barcelona.”

“I remember being with a person from Barcelona who wanted to sign me, but it didn’t happen. Maybe they wanted to bring me in, but it would have been for the following year. Then, a club like Manchester United came along and signed me immediately. You know how fast everything moves in football,” he added.

At the time, Barcelona was already a powerhouse in European football. Had Ronaldo joined the Catalan giants, he would have likely played alongside a young Lionel Messi, potentially forming the most devastating attacking duo football has ever seen.

Why Did Ronaldo Choose Manchester United?

Despite interest from Barcelona and Arsenal, Manchester United acted the fastest. Sir Alex Ferguson, impressed by Ronaldo’s performance against United in a pre-season friendly, moved swiftly to secure his signature in 2003.

Ronaldo’s Transfer to Manchester United

• Signed in 2003 for £12.24 million from Sporting Lisbon.
• Wore the legendary No.7 shirt at Old Trafford.
• Developed into a global superstar under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance.
• Won multiple trophies, including the 2008 Champions League before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.

This move not only shaped Ronaldo’s career but also set the stage for his legendary rivalry with Lionel Messi in La Liga.

What If Ronaldo Had Joined Barcelona?

Had Ronaldo signed for Barcelona, football history might have been completely different.

1. Ronaldo and Messi as Teammates

Instead of competing as rivals, Ronaldo and Messi could have dominated world football together at Barcelona. Imagine:

• Ronaldo on the right wing and Messi on the left in a devastating attack.
• Barcelona possibly winning even more trophies in the 2000s and 2010s.
• No Real Madrid vs Barcelona rivalry between them, potentially leading to less debate over the GOAT status.

2. No El Clasico Rivalry Between Ronaldo and Messi

One of the biggest storylines in football history is the Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry in El Clasico. Had Ronaldo joined Barcelona, the famous battles between Real Madrid and Barcelona from 2009-2018 might never have happened.

3. Would Real Madrid Have Dominated European Football?

Ronaldo became Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals, leading them to four Champions League titles. If he had joined Barcelona instead, would Real Madrid have achieved the same level of success?

Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity: Wenger’s Biggest Regret

Ronaldo’s potential transfer to Barcelona wasn’t the only missed opportunity. Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager, also tried to sign the Portuguese star.

In multiple interviews, Wenger has admitted:

“My biggest regret? Not signing Cristiano Ronaldo when I had the chance. We were so close, but Manchester United acted faster.”

If Ronaldo had signed for Arsenal or Barcelona, his career trajectory could have been drastically different.

Ronaldo’s Legacy After Choosing Manchester United

By choosing Manchester United over Barcelona and Arsenal, Ronaldo’s career took a different, yet legendary path:

• Became a global superstar at United (2003-2009).
• Moved to Real Madrid in 2009, becoming their all-time top scorer.
• Won five Ballon d’Or awards and multiple Champions League titles.
• Had one of football’s greatest rivalries with Messi for over a decade.

What’s Next for Ronaldo? Will He Play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

With Ronaldo still performing at a high level for Al-Nassr, many fans are wondering: Will he play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Bruno Fernandes Hints at Ronaldo’s World Cup Plans

Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes recently hinted that Ronaldo could play in the next World Cup, saying:

“I not only believe, but I’m almost certain that he’ll be there. It would be great if Cristiano Ronaldo fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup with the national team, not only for him but for us Portuguese people.”

By the time the 2026 edition arrives, Ronaldo will be 41 years old, but given his fitness and dedication, anything is possible.

Conclusion: A Transfer That Changed Football History

Cristiano Ronaldo’s revelation about almost joining Barcelona has left fans wondering about an alternate football history. Had he played alongside Lionel Messi, the world might have witnessed the most dominant duo ever. However, his decision to join Manchester United instead of Barcelona shaped football’s greatest rivalry—Ronaldo vs Messi.

With over 900 career goals, multiple Ballon d’Or titles, and countless records, Ronaldo’s career has been nothing short of legendary. As he continues his journey with Al-Nassr and possibly the 2026 World Cup, one thing remains clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact on football will never be forgotten.

A Tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo

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— MadridistaTV (@madridistatvYT) February 4, 2025

FAQs

1. Did Cristiano Ronaldo almost sign for Barcelona?Yes, Ronaldo revealed that Barcelona showed interest in signing him from Sporting Lisbon, but Manchester United acted faster and signed him in 2003.

2. Why didn’t Ronaldo join Barcelona?Although Barcelona scouted him, Manchester United moved quickly to complete the transfer, making him Sir Alex Ferguson’s new star.

3. What if Ronaldo and Messi had played together at Barcelona?If Ronaldo had joined Barcelona, he and Messi could have formed the greatest attacking duo in football history, changing the landscape of the sport.

4. Did Arsenal try to sign Cristiano Ronaldo?Yes, Arsene Wenger admitted that Arsenal were close to signing Ronaldo, but they were beaten to the deal by Manchester United.

5. Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?It’s possible. Bruno Fernandes recently hinted that Ronaldo could feature in the tournament, as he remains in top physical condition.