Cristiano Ronaldo Nixes Club World Cup Appearance, Casually Brushes Off Hype Around Final Matchup
FIFA chief Infantino's hope for maintaining power faces a significant blow from soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an unexpected turn of events, football icon Cristiano Ronaldo put an end to the swirling rumors about his involvement in the upcoming Club World Cup, scheduled for June 14 to July 13 in the United States. The news comes ahead of the Nations League final match on Sunday, where Portugal takes on Spain, with the event being aired live on RTL, DAZN, and ntv.de at 9 PM CET.
Despite speculation fuelled by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who hinted at possible club changes opening doors for Ronaldo's participation, the Portuguese star confirmed that he will not participate in the tournament. With his contract with Al-Nassr FC expiring at the end of the month and the club not qualifying for the World Cup, it seems the doors to a glitzy duel with Lionel Messi are quickly closing.
Ronaldo remarked that there had been offers on the table, some sensible and others less so. However, he quipped that one can't attend every wedding, suggesting a non-committal stance on further transfer discussions. A surprise move to Morocco and a brief flirtation with Botafogo Rio de Janeiro were soon dismissed, as Ronaldo's decision appears to be all but final. While Tuesday still allows for new sign-ups for the Club World Cup, it seems that Ronaldo's spot on the world stage may be elsewhere.
"A Legacy Apart"
With age catching up, Ronaldo does not seem ready to call it quits. His health remains robust, and he savor's every moment on the pitch. "I'm enjoying it," he admitted, leaving the question of his retirement plans in suspense. He has hinted at an imminent announcement regarding his future club for the upcoming season, stating, "The decision is almost final."
Former German national team captain, Michael Ballack, weighed in on Ronaldo's 137th international goal in the Nations League semi-final against Germany. Comparing Ronaldo to any contemporary athlete would require an unconventional leap, Ballack purported. He associated the Portuguese legend with basketball great Michael Jordan, football GOAT Tom Brady, and golf legend Tiger Woods, stressing that even when Ronaldo's performances may dip, the quality remains undiminished. "It's always a pleasure to watch him," Ballack concluded.
The Lamine Yamal Factor
The Nations League final also puts the spotlight on the Portuguese superstar for his matchup against Spain's budding talent, Lamine Yamal. however, this duel doesn't stir much interest for the seasoned pro. Despite various comparisons, Ronaldo downplays the generational divide, appreciating the talent that the 17-year-old Yamal exhibits but urging patience and understanding for the youngster. Ronaldo scored a vital winning goal against Germany in the semi-final, while Yamal scored a memorable double against France, becoming the youngest double goal scorer in the history of the Iberian national teams.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
[1] DPA (2025, June 4). À vontes de o World de Clubs, Cristiano Ronaldo condena a participar, diz quantas ofertas teve e que escolher a vida. São Paulo [in Portuguese]. Folha de S.Paulo. https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/cotidiano/2025/06/04799222-a-vontes-de-o-world-de-clubs-cristiano-ronaldo-condena-a-participar-diz-quantas-ofertas-teve-e-que-escolher-a-vida.shtml
[2] Reuters (2025, June 5). Cristiano Ronaldo confirms he will not play in the World Cup of Clubs. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/cristiano-ronaldo-confirms-he-will-161534957.html
[3] Goal.com (2025, June 6). Cristiano Ronaldo's future: Striker's decision on Club World Cup participation 'almost final'. Goal.com. https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/cristiano-ronaldo-future-decision-on-club-world-cup-participation-almost-final/bltca84529c3ddf4c9f#:~:text=Cristiano Ronaldo's share of the final decision on whether he will play in the World Cup, but the Portugal captain suggested that his choice is "almost final".
The European Union, with its common policy on the environment, might be concerned about the environmental impact of hosting the Club World Cup, given Ronaldo's statement about his non-participation.
Amidst the ongoing speculation about his future club, one could argue that a European league would be an attractive choice for Ronaldo, given his affinity for playing in elite football competitions like the Premier League and European-leagues.
