Although Al-Nassr did not qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup, there remains a slight chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to participate in the eagerly awaited tournament. His longtime rival, Lionel Messi, is poised to dominate headlines this summer, as Inter Miami secured their position in the event after winning the Supporters’ Shield last season.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is keen to see the biggest stars of football represented at this elite gathering, which creates a limited opportunity for Ronaldo’s involvement—but how might that unfold?
Ronaldo’s Contract Situation
Amid another season without trophies for the iconic player in Saudi Arabia, speculation about his future with Al-Nassr continues. The 40-year-old striker has been contemplating a contract extension for several months, though advancements have stalled recently.
According to Marca, talks first commenced in January, with a potential two-year extension on the table. This agreement could extend Ronaldo’s career until 2028, a scenario that is both intriguing and challenging.
However, following Al-Nassr’s exit from the AFC Champions League and inconsistent league performances, Ronaldo is starting to weigh his alternatives. His existing contract is set to expire at the end of June, and given the uncertainty, a possible exit before that time cannot be ruled out.
Club World Cup Transfer Window
The Club World Cup will commence on June 15, beginning with Al Ahly facing Inter Miami in the inaugural match. Typically, the summer transfer window opens in mid-June, but this year marks an exception. To facilitate teams involved in the tournament, a short transfer window is being implemented from June 1 to June 10, offering clubs a final opportunity to bolster their rosters.
Players, including Ronaldo, could switch clubs prior to the tournament if there is sufficient interest. Speculation suggests that Real Madrid may be considering Trent Alexander-Arnold to enhance their squad.
Who Could Sign Ronaldo?
Currently, Ronaldo’s representatives have not negotiated with any teams other than Al-Nassr, but his contract situation has certainly piqued the interest of potential buyers. Various clubs might be inclined to propose a short-term contract for the World Cup, a move that could generate considerable excitement.
There have been persistent rumors about a possible return to Real Madrid, though this prospect appears to diminish as time passes. Before his transition to Al-Nassr, Chelsea was a leading contender in the rumor mill, with those conversations recently resurfacing. However, former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda warns that incorporating Ronaldo into the existing squad could prove challenging. He remarked, “When the new owners took over, they considered signing him, but it would likely be more of a marketing strategy than a suitable fit for team dynamics.”
Another intriguing option is a potential return to Sporting Lisbon following the expiration of Ronaldo’s contract in Saudi Arabia. However, since Sporting did not secure a spot in the Club World Cup, this possibility would prevent him from participating in the tournament.
At this point, it remains unlikely that Ronaldo will appear in the Club World Cup this summer. However, given the dynamic nature of his contract negotiations, the situation could change—anything is possible. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
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