Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo never played for Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund

Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo never played for Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund

Hassan Abdulsalam 18:52 - 26.04.2025

Former Bayern star has revealed why Ronaldo never played for any German club.

Former Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann believes financial constraints prevented Cristiano Ronaldo from joining the Bundesliga.

Bayern had been linked with the Portuguese superstar before his record-breaking move to Real Madrid in 2009.

Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to the 1000 goal mark. (Credit: Getty Images)

Hamann played for Bayern Munich from 1992 to 1998 where he won five trophies including two Bundesliga, one UEFA Super Cup, and DFB Polka.

What Hamann said

Hamann believes Bayern Munich couldn't afford Ronaldo's wages, which is why he never played in the Bundesliga.

The 51-year-old thinks it would've been great to see Ronaldo in the German league, but praises his successful career nonetheless.

"Cristiano Ronaldo was linked to Bayern Munich when he left Manchester United and I would’ve loved to have seen him playing in the Bundesliga," Hamann said.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Real Madrid in May 2010 (Credit: Imago)

He continued, “For German clubs, it was always a question over the wages and the transfer fee.

"It would've been great to see how he did in the Bundesliga, but you can have no complaints over his career,” he added.

Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He has won numerous accolades, including five Ballon d'Or awards, and holds multiple records, such as most Champions League goals (140) and international goals (136).

Ronaldo has scored over 900 official senior career goals.

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