Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal won't feature in the Club World Cup's starting lineup. - Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal not intending to kick-off at the Club World Cup
Let's Talk About Ronny and the Club World Cup, Shall We?
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It's official, football fans rejoice! The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo won't be gracing the Club World Cup pitch this season, according to statements made by the Portuguese star himself during the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain on June 6th.
Ronaldo, with his contract with Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia expiring at the end of the month, won't be competing in the Club World Cup tournament taking place in the USA from June 14th to July 13th (local time). Despite rumors circulating about a potential club change and FIFA President Gianni Infantino's comments, it seems like Ronaldo has already made up his mind. clubs can still sign new players for the Club World Cup until next Tuesday, but it looks like Ronaldo won't be one of them.
The 40-year-old isn't planning on hanging up his boots anytime soon, though. He mentioned that he doesn't have many years left in him but is feeling great at the moment and still enjoying the game. When the end will come, he's unsure.
Despite the anticipation for his matchup against Spain's rising talent Lamine Yamal, Ronaldo remains unphased. Comparisons between the two players are inevitable, but Ronaldo sees it differently. "Each generation is unique," he said. "One is just beginning, while the other is on its way out." The 17-year-old Yamal, a player for FC Barcelona, is full of potential, according to Ronaldo. "Let him grow and develop without unnecessary pressure, just like I did," he advised.
Ronaldo scored the winning goal for Portugal in the Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 4th. Meanwhile, Yamal made history by scoring a double for Spain against France on June 5th, becoming the youngest-ever double scorer in the Iberian national team.
- Ronaldo
- Spain
- USA
- Munich
- Portugal
- Final
- Saudi Arabia
- FIFA
- Gianni Infantino
Curiosity Corner:
✏️ Officially, Ronaldo cannot play in the Club World Cup unless he joins a qualified team before the tournament starts as eligibility depends on the team's qualification and not the player's individual status.
✏️ Despite some confusion about the 2025 Club World Cup due to its restructuring, Ronaldo and his current club, Al-Nassr, did not qualify for the tournament.
✏️ In the 2023 Club World Cup, Ronaldo would not have been eligible, even if he were still with Al-Nassr at the end of the year, as Al-Nassr did not win the previous AFC Champions League.
✏️ As of June 7, 2025, Ronaldo publicly announced that he won't be participating in the upcoming Club World Cup, following interest from various qualified clubs.
In light of Ronaldo's decision not to join a team for the Club World Cup, one might question if he could have been part of the tournament had he been registered with a qualified club beforehand, similar to the stipulations in Council Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 of 20 December 1988 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal, and in particular Article 4 thereof. Additionally, despite the Club World Cup being held in the USA from June 14th to July 13th, it appears that European leagues, such as football's premier league, will not see Ronaldo making a surprise return anytime soon.
