When Scorsese "Bribed" Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2015, Ronaldo was set to feature in a Scorsese film… until the famous director allegedly gave him $22M to not appear. This week, we investigate that curious case of Hollywood drama. Plus, we take a look at the rumored 2026 World Cup ball, examine Carmelo Anthony’s testimony in the soccer trial of the century, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 📨 Soccer Photo Contest Community Vote

• ⛹️‍♂️ Carmelo Anthony Testifies Against MLS

• 💰 When Scorsese "Bribed" Cristiano Ronaldo

• ⚽ The 2026 World Cup Ball Design

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
Soccer Photo Contest Community Vote

The finalists for our 2024 North American Soccer Photo Contest are set, and we need your help deciding the winners.

Our guest panel of judges has narrowed down the field from 600+ entries and selected five (5) finalists from each of the following four (4) photo categories: Soccer Fandom, Match Action, Celebrations, and Growing the Game. 

The category winners and overall community prize will be decided by a popular vote, with the voting form closing this Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

Choose your winners HERE.

LAW
Carmelo Anthony Testifies Against MLS

It’s the soccer trial of the century. NASL vs the US Soccer Federation and MLS.

In this antitrust suit, NASL claims that US Soccer conspired with MLS to decline its renewal of Division II status.

NASL is seeking $170 million in damages (which would be tripled under antitrust law to over $500 million), and last week, they brought NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to the stand to help their case.

Anthony owned Puerto Rico FC from 2015 until the NASL folded in late 2017, and the league hoped his testimony would help swing the jury. Unfortunately for them, it seems his appearance in court did the opposite. 

COVER STORY
When Scorsese "Bribed" Cristiano Ronaldo

Oscar season is officially upon us, and this Martin Scorsese x Cristiano Ronaldo film would have surely been a winner back in 2015. I’m convinced.

The story goes that Martin Scorsese was developing a film based on Italian entrepreneur Alessandro Proto, who—fun fact—was said to have been the inspiration for the main character in the infamous “50 Shades of Grey” novel.

It was going to be a lavish movie, and understandably, Scorsese wanted to use one of Proto’s old apartments in Manhattan as a shooting location.

The only problem was that Proto had sold the apartment and it now belonged to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Allegedly, Scorsese and the producers promised Ronaldo a small role in the film (+ a fee) if he let them shoot at the apartment. It was the deal of a lifetime.

Unfortunately, Proto and Scorsese got increasingly concerned that Ronaldo’s presence would overshadow the movie and decided to pull the plug on the idea.

…And it cost them big time. Business Insider reported that Cristiano was paid $22M to NOT appear in the film. Scorsese and Co really had to shell out serious cash (allegedly) to make sure the great CR7 didn’t participate, which is just mindblowing. We were robbed of his Hollywood debut.

Later on, Cristiano’s camp denied he had any involvement in the project, but since the production company stayed tight-lipped about the whole ordeal, I have an inkling that Ronnie was just trying to save some face.

Think about it. I doubt anyone would ever want to admit that Scorsese spent millions just to ensure I wouldn’t appear in one of his movies.

TOP SECRET
The 2026 World Cup Ball Design

Ah, Footy Headlines, the GOATs of leaking things in the soccer world. I don’t know how they pulled this off, but they’ve acquired top-secret images of the 2026 World Cup ball design.

At first glance, I can’t say I’m too enthused. But it does seem like the photos are only of a prototype without any colors or an official name added to it. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt—it has some potential to win me over once it’s fully completed.

What do you think of the alleged ball design?

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let’s see what the community has to say. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Timo Werner to MLS: Maybe he’ll rediscover his prime goalscoring ability here? It seems Timo may be headed to this club in the East.

Vermont Party: UVM shocked the world with their NCAA title a couple of months ago, and they finally got to celebrate in style on Sunday. The whole city of Burlington came out in force for the parade. Absolute scenes. 

Messi Plays Against a USL Team: If you had told me three years ago that Messi would one day face a USL League One team, I would’ve thought you were insane. The craziest part was the score, though.

2025 Open Cup Format: It seems Phoenix Rising accidentally let the 2025 Open Cup format slip. Here’s what we can expect. 

MLS x WWE: This was not on my 2025 soccer bingo card. I wonder if we’ll see a John Cena cameo in the studio.

GOSSIP
College Soccer to Break Away From the NCAA?

It’s a crazy rumor. It borders on conspiracy theory levels of mad… but hear us out.

Word in the underbelly of American soccer is that top college soccer programs are gearing up to break away from the NCAA and professionalize.

I’m getting chills just thinking about my University of Maryland Terps playing in USL League One.

Aside from a few Tweets, there are no corroborating reports that this is truly in the works, so take it with a grain of salt for now. It might be a whole bunch of nothing, but I’d keep my ears perked either way. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

OUR HISTORY
Remember the Breakers

Seven years ago today, on January 28, 2018, we said goodbye to the Boston Breakers of the NWSL.

They were one of the league’s founding members back in 2013, and their demise was one of the most painful chapters in WoSo history.

Players like Sydney Leroux, Heather O’Reilly, Alyssa Naeher, Rose Lavelle, and Kristie Mewis all defended their colors, and they were truly one of our country’s greatest clubs.

Today, we remember their legacy and all the good memories they gave us.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: Would you have liked to see Neymar in MLS? Here are some of your best answers:

• “I think MLS needs to move past signing aging stars and focus on developing players to strengthen the league.” - Eric W.

• “Who wouldn’t? Having a player of his caliber would have been incredible.” - JD

In the poll, “Yes” came in first with 50% of the vote. “No” followed with 20% of the vote, and “Not Sure/Other” combined for last with 30%. 

My brain would’ve said the transfer was a horrible idea, but my heart would’ve absolutely loved it. He barely has a knee and would’ve probably spent his days partying, but the flashes of magic would’ve been glorious. It doesn’t matter at this point anyway. Fabrizio Romano confirmed last night that he’s officially heading to Santos in Brazil.

UP NEXT
Announcing the Champions

Next week, we’ll be announcing the winners of our 2024 North American Soccer Photo Contest. Can’t wait to see who takes it!

Make sure to vote here for your favorite photos.

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo