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The FIFA Club World Cup takes place in June 2025 in its new expanded format, transforming into a 32-team spectacle held every four years.
Big names including Lionel Messi and his team, Inter Miami, are confirmed for the event in the United States. Clubs including Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea will also be involved.
Cristiano Ronaldo had looked likely to miss out given his club side Al Nassr had not qualified. However, there was speculation that he could seek a temporary move to a team taking part in the tournament, thereby allowing him to play.
The Sporting News looks at the likelihood of Ronaldo turning out at the Club World Cup and why the FIFA president has already talked up those prospects.
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing at Club World Cup 2025?
As things stand, it looks like Ronaldo will not be playing at this year's Club World Cup.
The forward claimed the week before the tournament that he had turned down offers from multiple teams who are competing in the United States.
"There has been plenty of contact [from clubs]," he told the media. "I see things that make sense, others that don't. You can't go to all of them [clubs], you have to think short, medium and long term.
"It's something that's practically decided on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I've had plenty of invitations."
Saudi clubs compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), whose Club World Cup places 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.
Al Nassr missed out, which is why Ronaldo's chances of playing at the tournament had always looked remote. There is, however, still a chance for him to accept an offer from another team.
MORE: All the latest soccer action | Cristiano Ronaldo news
Ronaldo's contract with Al Nassr expires in June 2025, just before the Club World Cup kicks off. He posted on X after their final Saudi Pro League game of the season to suggest that his time at the club was coming to an end, although Fernando Hierro, Al Nassr's sporting director, later insisted talks were ongoing over a new contract.
This chapter is over.
The story? Still being written.
Grateful to all. pic.twitter.com/Vuvl5siEB3
New FIFA rules this year will allow Club World Cup participants to sign and sell players in a short pre-tournament transfer window. That means we could see Ronaldo take part in the U.S.
Cristiano Ronaldo next club
It's not clear which Club World Cup team Ronaldo could join if he does leave Al Nassr. Wydad have been mentioned as a possibility, while the idea of a romantic return to Real Madrid has been mooted, even on a short-term basis.
Reports in South America said Mexican side Monterrey had entered negotiations with Ronaldo's agent over a temporary deal, and Botafogo were also linked.
Ronaldo himself suggested he had received several offers but had turned down each of them.
What did FIFA president say about Ronaldo?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino this week talked up the prospect of Ronaldo signing for a Club World Cup team.
Appearing on a stream with YouTuber IShowSpeed, Infantino said: "Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions.
"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."
The Athletic reported that Ronaldo's management were unhappy with Infantino's comments. The appropriateness of the elected head of FIFA discussing player transfers is certainly questionable.
However, it was not a huge surprise. Infantino is desperate for the new expanded Club World Cup to be a success, not least due to the costs involved. Having both Ronaldo and Messi playing at the tournament would boost its global appeal.
English (US)