Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 became a hot topic before the mega event after he hinted about leaving Saudi Club Al Nassr.
After another trophyless season with the Saudi side, the Portuguese footballer made a cryptic social media post that sparked rumours that he might leave the club and join any team participating in the Club World Cup on a short-term contract.
According to World Soccer Talk, numerous teams from Mexico to Brazil tried to bring the five-time Ballon d’Or award winner on board but could not succeed as the 40-year-old decided not to participate in the tournament and stay with Al Nassr.
River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo recently revealed that it was the Argentinian club that came closest to pulling the sensational deal with the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player.
He told ESPN, I was lucky to coach him in a match I was invited to in Saudi Arabia, and I found not only a great professional but also a very good person. We’ve stayed in touch over these past few months.”
He further added that in a meeting in mid-March he formally asked him to join the team ahead of the World Cup through a mutual friend.
Gallardo revealed that his offer was not dismissed immediately, saying, “Not only did he feel recognised, but he actually considered it, he thought about it and then said, ‘I have to prepare for the upcoming season.’ It was something informal, but if it had worked out, it would have worked out.”
However, the offer was turned down, as Ronaldo made his decision about not participating in the Club World Cup public after winning the historic UEFA Nations League title for the national team.
Notably, Ronaldo's current contract with Al Nassr is set to expire at the end of June.
