Cristiano Ronaldo could yet make a surprise appearance at this summer’s revamped Club World Cup, despite his current club Al-Nassr failing to qualify for the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that the legendary forward is at the centre of discussions involving multiple clubs ahead of the historic 32-team tournament in the United States.
Ronaldo, 40, remains one of the biggest names in football and continues to impress with his performances in the Saudi Pro League. His contract with Al-Nassr, which he joined in late 2022 following a dramatic departure from Manchester United, is set to expire on 30 June. While the Riyadh-based club will not feature at the Club World Cup, Infantino has stoked excitement by suggesting Ronaldo could still play – for another team.
Speaking during an online interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino made headlines by revealing ongoing conversations around the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s potential involvement.
“Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”
This summer’s tournament, which kicks off on 14 June, will mark the beginning of a new era for the Club World Cup. Moving from its traditional December slot to a summer schedule, and expanding from seven to 32 teams, FIFA has opened up an additional transfer window from 1-10 June to allow clubs to secure last-minute reinforcements.
That window could be crucial in determining whether Ronaldo joins another team for a short-term stint. While there is no official confirmation of where he might land, speculation is already swirling.
Spanish outlet Marca recently reported that an unnamed Brazilian club had extended an offer to the veteran striker. One possibility could be Botafogo, one of four Brazilian sides qualified for the tournament. When asked about the rumour, their head coach Renato Paiva responded with a smile and caution.
“Christmas is only in December,” he joked. “But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that. I don’t know anything – I’m just answering the question. But as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.”
Botafogo, currently owned by American businessman John Textor – who also owns stakes in Premier League side Crystal Palace and French club Lyon – would be well-placed to afford a temporary marquee signing like Ronaldo. A short-term, high-impact deal could make commercial and sporting sense as they aim to make a statement on the global stage.
Other qualified clubs, including European giants like Real Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea, and Manchester City, may also be keeping a close watch. Ronaldo’s previous stints at Real and Juve were trophy-laden, and although a return to either club seems unlikely, the tournament’s format opens doors for unexpected moves.
The idea of seeing Ronaldo square off against long-time rival Lionel Messi in the tournament has also captured fans’ imaginations. Messi’s Inter Miami are set to play the opening match on 14 June, with the Argentine legend hoping to lead his MLS side deep into the tournament. His group includes African giants Al Ahly, Portuguese powerhouse Porto, and Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.
Between them, Ronaldo and Messi dominated football’s golden era, winning every Ballon d’Or from 2008 to 2017. Messi has since added three more to his tally, bringing his total to a record-breaking eight. But even at 40, Ronaldo remains fiercely competitive – and a return to the global stage could give fans one more glimpse of the iconic rivalry.
Whether it’s with a South American side, a European contender, or an ambitious outsider, one thing is certain: if Ronaldo steps onto the pitch at the 2025 Club World Cup, the world will be watching.
