Rodrigo De Paul just said something that's going to turn a lot of heads in European football. The Argentine midfielder claims winning MLS is actually harder than lifting the Champions League trophy. Yes, you read that right.
De Paul made these bold comments after helping Inter Miami win the MLS Cup in 2025. The 31-year-old didn't hold back when comparing American soccer to Europe's elite competition. "I think it's harder to win MLS than the Champions League," he told Marca México.
Now, here's the context that makes this interesting. De Paul spent years playing in Europe with clubs like Atletico Madrid. But he never won the Champions League during his time there. So you can understand why some fans might raise an eyebrow at his statement.
De Paul's Move to Miami
The midfielder's journey to Florida wasn't straightforward. He initially joined Inter Miami on loan from Atletico Madrid last summer, playing for the club between July and December 2025. That short spell was enough to convince everyone involved.
Inter Miami made the move permanent shortly after. De Paul signed a contract running through December 2029 in a deal worth approximately 15 million euros. That's a significant investment for an MLS club, showing how serious Miami is about staying competitive.
For bettors watching MLS markets, Miami's willingness to splash cash on proven talent suggests they're building for sustained success. Having a World Cup winner who's played at the highest level adds real credibility to the league's growing reputation.
What This Means for MLS
Whether you agree with De Paul or not, his comments shine a spotlight on MLS's rising profile. The league has been attracting bigger names and the competition is getting tighter each season. Miami's title run showed that having star power matters, but so does team chemistry.
De Paul's statement might be controversial, but it's certainly getting people talking. And for a league trying to establish itself globally, that attention is invaluable. His commitment through 2029 also suggests he genuinely believes in the project Miami is building.
