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, things have changed in recent weeks in the 40-year-old’s plans, and it now looks likely that he could join another club that could give him a chance to compete.
The Jugo Mobile looks at the likelihood of Ronaldo turning out at the Club World Cup and why the FIFA president has already talked up those prospects.
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. He could play in the competition if he joins a club that qualified.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr expires in June 2025, just before the tournament 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.
This chapter is over.The story? Still being written.Grateful to all. pic.twitter.com/Vuvl5siEB3
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 26, 2025
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.
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.
