Infantino: Ronaldo Could Feature in Club World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo Could Still Feature in 2025 Club World Cup, Says FIFA President
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted at the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo playing in this summer’s expanded Club World Cup, despite his current club, Al-Nassr, not qualifying for the tournament.
Speaking during an interview with streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino noted that while Lionel Messi is confirmed to play in the opening match on June 14 with Inter Miami, discussions are ongoing about Ronaldo potentially joining a participating team.
“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are discussions with some clubs.
If any club is watching and is interested in signing Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows?”
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward is out of contract at Al-Nassr at the end of June, which makes him eligible for transfer.
To accommodate such late moves, FIFA has introduced an additional transfer window from June 1–10 ahead of the first 32-team Club World Cup in the United States.
Spanish outlet Marca recently reported that an unnamed Brazilian club has already tabled an offer for Ronaldo.
Among the four Brazilian clubs qualified, Botafogo’s coach, Renato Paiva, responded to rumors light-heartedly, saying: “Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that.”
Botafogo, owned by American businessman John Textor (also a stakeholder in Crystal Palace), is one potential destination.
With Ronaldo’s proven goal-scoring record, some believe he could still be a major asset to any side creating enough opportunities.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, previously starred for Real Madrid, Juventus, and Manchester United.
Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City, and Chelsea are among the European clubs already qualified for the tournament.
While nothing is confirmed, the football world awaits to see if Ronaldo will reunite with Messi on the global stage one more time.
Infantino: Ronaldo Could Feature in Club World Cup