Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest icons, has officially ruled out participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States. The announcement, echoed by a post from TeamCRonaldo on X, ends speculation about the 40-year-old’s involvement in the expanded 32-team tournament. Ronaldo’s current club, Al-Nassr, failed to secure a spot in the competition, prompting rumors that he might join a qualified team like Al-Hilal, Wydad AC, or Monterrey during a special transfer window from June 1 to 10. However, no move materialized, and Ronaldo remains with Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s contract with the Saudi Pro League club is due to expire on June 30, 2025, coinciding with the tournament’s start. Despite earlier chatter about a potential short-term transfer to compete in the Club World Cup, recent reports indicate he is negotiating an extension with Al-Nassr, signaling his intent to stay put. This decision suggests Ronaldo is prioritizing his long-term commitment to the Riyadh-based club over a chance to add another prestigious title to his illustrious career.
see also: FIFA Club World Cup: When it starts and which teams are playing in soccer's new-look tournament
The 2025 Club World Cup, featuring top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, will miss Ronaldo’s star power, a blow to fans hoping to see him compete on this global stage. His absence underscores Al-Nassr’s challenges in qualifying and raises questions about his future ambitions as he approaches the twilight of his career. While Ronaldo continues to perform at an elite level, scoring prolifically in the Saudi Pro League, his focus appears to be on club stability and personal milestones, such as reaching 900 career goals, rather than chasing the Club World Cup trophy. Fans will now look to his next moves in the 2025/26 season.
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he has 'affection' for 'rival' Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo recently spoke warmly about his enduring rival Lionel Messi, emphasizing the affection and mutual respect that defined their 15-year competition. In a heartfelt interview, Ronaldo shared a touching anecdote about assisting Messi by translating English during award ceremonies, noting the Argentine’s consistent kindness and respect.
He described their rivalry as healthy and inspiring, driven by a shared passion for scoring goals and pushing each other to new heights, captivating football fans worldwide. Ronaldo highlighted that their intense on field battles were complemented by a genuine off field camaraderie, with these personal interactions reflecting a deep bond. He recalled Messi’s gratitude and friendly demeanor, which made those moments memorable.
Ronaldo’s comments echo sentiments he expressed earlier in February 2025, when he discussed similar experiences of helping Messi with language barriers and praised their rivalry for producing unprecedented statistical achievements. He believes replicating such feats will be difficult for future generations, given the unique dynamic they shared. The Portuguese star’s reflections reveal a relationship built on mutual admiration, with both players elevating the sport through their competition while maintaining a positive connection.
Ronaldo’s stories of assisting Messi underscore the human side of their rivalry, showing that beyond the pursuit of greatness, they shared moments of kindness and understanding. This narrative adds a layer of depth to their legacy, illustrating how two of football’s greatest icons not only competed fiercely but also forged a meaningful bond. As fans continue to debate the GOAT title, Ronaldo’s words remind us that respect and camaraderie can coexist with fierce competition, making their story one of the most compelling in sports history.
Their rivalry remains a testament to excellence, both on the pitch and in their personal interactions.
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