Cristiano Ronaldo to Miss 2025 Club World Cup — Here’s Why

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain and five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, will not be participating in the ongoing 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States. This development has caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, as the tournament had raised expectations of a potential reunion between Ronaldo and long-time rival Lionel Messi on the global stage.

Messi’s club, Inter Miami, secured a place in the tournament by virtue of the host country’s allocated slot. The Major League Soccer side is actively participating in the competition. In contrast, Ronaldo’s club, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, failed to qualify. Only one club from the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal, secured entry into the tournament, leaving Al Nassr out of contention and effectively sidelining Ronaldo from the event.

No Transfer Move for Club World Cup Appearance

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had reportedly encouraged participating clubs to consider bringing in marquee players like Ronaldo during the brief transfer window between the close of domestic seasons and the start of the tournament. The intention was to elevate the tournament’s profile by featuring globally recognized football icons.

However, discussions regarding a temporary move for Ronaldo did not progress. Al Hilal, the only Saudi club in the competition and a direct rival of Al Nassr, declined the idea of bringing in Ronaldo on a short-term basis. The club’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, explained that while Ronaldo’s talent is acknowledged, it would not be strategically sound for Al Hilal to recruit the star forward from a competing team, especially for a brief stint lasting only several weeks.

This stance effectively closed the door on any chance for Ronaldo to feature in the tournament through another club. His contractual situation also introduces further complexity. Ronaldo’s current agreement with Al Nassr is nearing its expiration, and no official announcement has been made regarding a renewal or transfer, heightening speculation about his next career move.

Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in football, both domestically and internationally. This includes securing the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup and luring high-profile players to its domestic league. Despite these efforts, Al Nassr’s absence from the 2025 Club World Cup marks a notable gap in the country’s representation at one of FIFA’s major tournaments.