Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United Agree to Split

  • Last week, Ronaldo did an interview with Piers Morgan criticizing Man U.
  • The club had reportedly been exploring the possibility of terminating Ronaldo’s contract.
Manchester United striker Cristiano Rolando and manager Erik Ten Hag wave to crowd after match
MUFC

Cristiano Ronaldo will never wear a Manchester United kit again. 

On Tuesday, Ronaldo and Man U mutually agreed to part ways — effective immediately — after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan last week. 

Speaking with Morgan, Ronaldo voiced his displeasure with the iconic club, citing a perceived lack of improvement and his decreased playing time.

  • United had reportedly been exploring the possibility of terminating Ronaldo’s contract and suing him for breach of contract after the 37-year-old rejoined the club on a $15.3 million transfer from Juventus in August 2021. 
  • Ronaldo previously played for United from 2003-09 before leaving for Real Madrid.
  • In the Morgan interview, Ronaldo said he hopes Man U rival Arsenal wins its 13th Premier League title.
Kylian Mbappe completes dribble during France match against Austria during Nations League match

World Cup Brings Together Highest-Paid Soccer Players

Kylian Mbappé is the World Cup’s highest-paid player.
November 20, 2022

In a statement, United thanked Ronaldo “for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances and wished him and his family well.”

Can’t Go Home Again

Ronaldo won a Champions League trophy and three Premier League titles in his first stint with the Red Devils, but his latest spell hasn’t panned out. 

He scored just one goal in 10 appearances — including four starts — this season.

Ronaldo can immediately join another club without having to wait until January’s transfer window to find a new home.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Justin Rose signs autographs alongside the practice green during a practice round for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

England World Cup Fever Hitting Golf Fans at The Open

England is hosting the golf major amid the World Cup run.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/22/26 – World Cup Final Ratings, ESPN Layoffs, LeBron Waits, WFAN to SiriusXM

0:00

Featured Today

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.

Jake Paul Responds to Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing to Netflix’

Paul believes the Tyson fight’s Netflix audience will never be matched.
July 21, 2026

Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu Skipping WNBA 3-Point Contest

Only two 2026 WNBA All-Stars are participating.
kyle rudolph
July 22, 2026

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL

Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
July 21, 2026

Late-Night Drug Tests Spark Backlash, Intrigue at Tour de France

Riders are pushing back on rare overnight anti-doping tests.
July 20, 2026

Why WNBA Union Won’t Monetize Viral Sophie Cunningham Incident  

Cunningham can still use her own NIL to license the image.
July 14, 2026

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.