The 2025 Club World Cup is around the corner, and Cristiano Ronaldo could be one of the megastars on show.
The new-look FIFA Club World Cup is on the horizon, and some huge transfer business looks set to take place before the competition kicks off on June 14. There will be 32 teams from across the globe taking part, all looking to raise their profile and take their side to glory on the biggest of stages.
The former Club World Cup format contained just the six reigning continental champions, often won by the reigning UEFA Champions League winners with little competition. The newly expanded edition will be a far cry from that, certain to be a spectacle watched globally this summer.
Nevertheless, much criticism has arisen from FIFA’s decision to expand the competition, with widespread belief that the financial rewards involved have been prioritised at the detriment of players’ health amidst existing problems around player scheduling at the highest level. This summer’s tournament is simply seen as a ploy by FIFA to get all the world’s biggest names to face off ahead of the World Cup next summer. As such, the rules were changed to allow Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to qualify for the tournament. But it remains to be seen if his great Ballon d’Or rival Cristiano Ronaldo will also be competing in the US this summer.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play at the Club World Cup?
When FIFA came up with the model for the newly-expanded Club World Cup, it was in their clearest of intentions that global stars of the profile of Cristiano Ronaldo will be there to take part. The world’s football governing body will see it as a failure on their part if one of the biggest sporting names in the world is not competing on the biggest stage in June, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently stating that “there are discussions” surrounding Ronaldo’s participation in the tournament.
Ronaldo himself intends to take part, and may leave Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr to join a side who will be competing in the tournament this summer. Success at Al Nassr hasn’t arrived as he would have hoped, with a third-placed finish this season meaning the club will not take part in either the Asian Champions League or the Club World Cup.
Following the final match of the season, Ronaldo posted a cryptic message on social media, which read: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all”. This appeared to indicate that his contract with Al Nassr will not be renewed when it runs out on June 30, and the great Portuguese’s time in Saudi Arabia may be coming to an end.
Ronaldo will likely aim to secure a move during the short transfer window between June 1 - June 10, either on a short-term contract just for the Club World Cup, or on a permanent deal as the next stage in an illustrious career.
Who will Cristiano Ronaldo play for in the Club World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo could have a host of potential suitors queuing up for him ahead of the competition, knowing only too well the increased profile the 40-year-old would bring for their club - even if he is just there for a few weeks. While Ronaldo is unlikely to sign for a European side, there could be interest from Club World Cup participants from Asia, Africa, South America and the US.
Fellow Saudi side Al Hilal are reported to be interested, and this could create the headline scenario of Ronaldo lining up against his former side Real Madrid in their opening game on June 18. This move would make a lot of sense from a business perspective as the Saudi Pro League seek to hold onto their star asset, but would likely mean Ronaldo committing his future to remaining in Saudi.
If he decides to take his career elsewhere, a move to an MLS participant could be on the cards. Seattle Sounders could be an option, not only to compete in the Club World Cup but then to face off with Messi in the MLS moving forward. In what would be a sensational twist, Ronaldo could even decide to join his Argentine nemesis at Inter Miami - probably unlikely, but such a link-up would grab front-page headlines the world over.
Ronaldo has also reportedly held talks with Brazilian side Botafogo in what would be a huge coup for South American football, though it remains to be seen if a long-term deal could be in the offing. Egyptian side Al Ahly or Al Ain from the UAE could also come in with huge moves for the forward - a move to Al Ahly would mean a showdown with Messi and Inter Miami on June 15. Wherever he decides to go, Ronaldo’s next move will be huge news for the Club World Cup and for the sporting world.
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