ZURICH — Cristiano Ronaldo could feature in the inaugural 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed, as the Portuguese superstar is in discussions for a possible transfer to one of the participating clubs.
Although Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr failed to qualify for the expanded 32-team tournament, Infantino confirmed that talks are ongoing that could allow the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to compete on a short-term deal, thanks to a unique FIFA-sanctioned transfer window.
“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” Infantino said during an appearance on YouTube with influencer IShowSpeed, whose channel boasts more than 39 million subscribers. “There are discussions with some clubs. So if any club is watching and interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows? Still a few weeks’ time—it will be fun.”
The tournament, set to take place in 11 cities across the United States this June, has been granted flexible transfer windows by FIFA. Clubs may register new players from June 1–10 and again from June 27–July 3, under exceptional regulations approved in October. This opens the door for late signings, including loan deals, to help boost the tournament’s competitive level and commercial appeal.
Ronaldo’s potential short-term move would be unprecedented in modern football and could significantly enhance viewership and ticket sales for the Club World Cup, which is being positioned by FIFA as a marquee summer event in global club football.
Adding to the intrigue, such a transfer would potentially reunite Ronaldo with Lionel Messi, whose Inter Miami were granted a spot in the tournament despite not winning the MLS Cup. If both players participate, it would mark their first competitive meeting since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
While no club has officially confirmed interest, speculative reports have linked Ronaldo with a loan to Saudi rivals Al Hilal, Brazil’s Palmeiras, and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. However, Wydad is currently under a FIFA ban preventing it from registering new players.
As of now, Al Nassr remains uninvolved, and Ronaldo’s participation hinges on whether one of the qualified clubs moves quickly to negotiate a deal within FIFA’s temporary registration period.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 later this year, remains one of the sport’s most marketable stars. His involvement in the Club World Cup could provide a global spotlight on the tournament’s debut in the United States, further intensifying FIFA’s efforts to commercialize and globalize its club competitions.
