FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo might take part in the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup, despite his current club, Al Nassr, not qualifying for the tournament.
Speaking during a livestream with popular YouTuber IShowSpeed, Infantino revealed the possibility of Ronaldo joining one of the 32 qualified teams through an unusual transfer route.
“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are discussions with some clubs. So if any club is watching and interested in signing Ronaldo for the Club World Cup — who knows? There’s still time. It will be fun.”
Fifa confirmed this week that all participating clubs are allowed to make late additions to their rosters, fueling speculation about a short-term move for the 40-year-old Portuguese star — possibly on loan. The transfer window for the tournament will be open from June 1–10 and again from June 27–July 3, under exceptional provisions approved by Fifa last year.
Such a move would be highly unusual in modern football but could significantly raise the tournament’s profile and help drive ticket sales. The expanded Club World Cup, set to debut next month in 11 cities across the United States, marks a new era for the competition.
A potential Ronaldo appearance would also mark the first time he and Lionel Messi compete in the same tournament since the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Messi’s club, Inter Miami, was invited to join the competition despite not winning the MLS title, but was eliminated in the playoffs.
Ronaldo has been loosely linked with several teams, including Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, Brazilian champions Palmeiras and Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca — though Wydad currently faces a Fifa transfer ban.
Whether any club takes the opportunity to sign one of football’s biggest names for the high-profile event remains to be seen, but the door is officially open. / RSC