In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the automotive and sports worlds, tech mogul Elon Musk has reportedly offered global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo a staggering $100 million to become the face of Tesla’s Cybertruck campaign. The offer, made just 25 minutes ago according to sources close to Tesla, is one of the largest endorsement deals ever proposed to an athlete. However, what truly shocked the world was Ronaldo’s unexpected response.
According to early reports, Musk personally reached out to Ronaldo’s team with a detailed proposal that included a multi-year contract, global advertising rights, social media partnerships, and even a customized Cybertruck designed specifically for the soccer icon. The goal: to use Ronaldo’s global reach and influence to catapult the Cybertruck into mainstream popularity and redefine the future of electric vehicles.
“Ronaldo represents excellence, power, and innovation — everything the Cybertruck stands for,” Musk allegedly said in the proposal. “This partnership could reshape how the world sees sustainable transportation.”
The $100 million offer would make it one of the most lucrative promotional deals in sports history, rivaling endorsements from brands like Nike and Coca-Cola. Yet despite the jaw-dropping figure, Ronaldo’s response left the world speechless.
Rather than accepting the offer outright, Ronaldo reportedly declined — not out of disinterest, but on principle. “Cristiano was honored by the offer,” a representative for the soccer star said. “But he is currently focused on philanthropic efforts and using his influence to promote causes that align with his personal values, such as children’s health, education, and sports development.”
The rejection, described by many as “classy and unexpected,” has drawn praise from fans worldwide. Social media erupted with support for Ronaldo, with hashtags like #RespectRonaldo and #PrinciplesOverProfit trending globally within minutes.
Still, Ronaldo left the door open for future collaboration. In a brief comment posted to his official Instagram story, the football legend wrote: “I respect Elon Musk and his vision. Maybe we’ll work together someday — for a cause that changes the world.”
Industry insiders suggest that Ronaldo’s decision not to immediately accept the offer could spark a trend among celebrities and athletes to be more selective with endorsements, choosing projects that reflect their personal values over financial gain.
As for Tesla, Elon Musk has yet to make a public statement, but knowing his style, a response on X (formerly Twitter) is expected soon. Some speculate that he might revise the offer or even turn the moment into a viral marketing campaign, as he’s known to do.
For now, the story remains a powerful example of how even in the world of billion-dollar deals and global fame, integrity and purpose still matter — and that sometimes, the most surprising response is simply to say no.
