The world stands still after a sensational revelation: Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has made soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo a $100 million offer to promote the futuristic Cybertruck. But Ronaldo’s response shocked not only Musk, but the entire world. What did the Portuguese megastar say, and why is his reaction causing such a stir? Let’s dive into this explosive drama!
The offer came at a time when Tesla is pushing hard to establish the Cybertruck, its electric monster vehicle, as a cult object. With its angular design and rugged appearance, the Cybertruck is a symbol of Musk’s ambitions to revolutionize the automotive industry. To maximize global attention, Musk turned to Ronaldo, one of the world’s most famous and influential athletes. The offer: $100 million for an advertising campaign that would feature Ronaldo as the face of the Cybertruck—a deal that would have guaranteed the attention of millions of fans worldwide.
According to sources, Musk personally contacted Ronaldo’s management in the hope that the footballer, known for his love of luxury cars, would seize the opportunity. The proposal included a series of commercials, social media posts, and even a spectacular unveiling of the Cybertruck at Ronaldo’s home stadium in Al-Nassr. But what followed was a thunderclap no one expected. Ronaldo rejected the offer—and did so with a response that stunned the world: “I only promote things I believe in.”
These nine words, cool and direct, were uttered at a post-match press conference when Ronaldo was asked about the offer. The statement, interpreted as a barely veiled criticism of the Cybertruck and perhaps even of Musk himself, triggered a flood of reactions. On X, the discussion exploded, with fans split into two camps. Ronaldo’s supporters celebrated his integrity: “CR7 stays real! He can’t be bought!” wrote one fan. Musk supporters, on the other hand, were outraged: “Ronaldo has no idea about innovation. What a mistake!”
The rejection has far-reaching consequences. For Musk, it’s a rare public setback. The Tesla CEO, accustomed to celebrities supporting his visions, reacted with surprising restraint. In a cryptic post on X, he wrote: “Some don’t understand the future. Let’s move on.” But insiders report that Musk was privately upset, taking Ronaldo’s rejection as a personal insult. Rumors suggest that Tesla is now considering other global stars like Beyoncé or Tom Brady for the campaign to limit the damage.
For Ronaldo, this moment reinforces his reputation as someone who puts his principles above money. The 40-year-old, who has promoted brands such as Nike and Clear, is known for his selective approach to endorsement deals. Analysts speculate that Ronaldo had doubts about the Cybertruck’s practicality or that Musk’s polarizing personality put him off. “Ronaldo is a brand in his own right. He doesn’t risk anything for a quick deal,” said one marketing expert.
The public is divided. Some praise Ronaldo’s steadfastness and see his response as a courageous blow against Musk’s influence. Others consider him ungrateful, as the offer was an opportunity to further expand his global reach. The debate has also raised questions about the future of the Cybertruck: If even Ronaldo rejects the vehicle, how will it be received by the masses?
As the world awaits Musk’s next move, Ronaldo’s decision sent a clear message: Even $100 million can’t convince everyone. This slugfest between two titans of their respective worlds has dominated headlines and will resonate for a long time to come. Will Musk find a new celebrity to push the Cybertruck, or will Ronaldo’s rejection cast a shadow over Tesla’s plans?
What do you think about Ronaldo’s shocking response? Is he a man of principle, or did he miss a golden opportunity? Share your opinion in the comments!