The FIFA Club World Cup is set to expand in 2025, transforming into a 32-team spectacle held every four years.
Big names including Lionel Messi and his team, Inter Miami, are already confirmed for the tournament in the United States. But what about Cristiano Ronaldo? Will the Portuguese superstar take part in this global event?
The revamped tournament will feature champions from different confederations, with slots allocated based on their performances from 2021 to 2024.
Unfortunately for Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr, the competition rules have worked against them.
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing at Club World Cup 2025?
Saudi clubs compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which has already filled its slots for the tournament. That means Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will miss out.
The spots went to Al Hilal (2021 AFC Champions League winners), Urawa Red Diamonds, UAE’s Al-Ain, and South Korea’s Ulsan HD, based on their ranking and achievements over the past four years.
However, Al Nassr’s absence does not entirely rule out Ronaldo’s participation.
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Could Ronaldo still play at Club World Cup 2025?
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr expires in June 2025, just before the tournament kicks off.
FIFA has introduced new transfer rules allowing players whose contracts end around that time to join qualified teams as free agents or on loan. This means Ronaldo could potentially sign with a Club World Cup team for the tournament.
The possibility of seeing Ronaldo reunite with a former club like Real Madrid or Juventus adds excitement to this scenario. A matchup with Lionel Messi on this stage would undoubtedly captivate football fans worldwide.
For now, Ronaldo’s Club World Cup future remains uncertain, but FIFA’s transfer rules keep the door open.