The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is fast approaching, and anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the biggest events in international club soccer. Hosted in the United States for the first time, this expanded edition of the tournament is drawing attention not just for its format and participating clubs—but for the possible inclusion of one of the game’s greatest legends.
Earlier this month, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, dropped a bombshell on a stunning potential move: Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup. His comments, made during a live stream with internet personality IShowSpeed, have added a mysterious and thrilling layer to an already headline-filled competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr remains uncertain, despite reports that he is close to renewing his contract with the Saudi club. Saudi media suggest a two-year extension is on the table, but the decision is not yet finalized. That uncertainty has led to a frenzy of interest from clubs across the globe—especially those qualified for the Club World Cup.
According to Diario AS, ten clubs are vying for the Portuguese veteran’s signature, each hoping to sign him either permanently or on a short-term deal for the tournament. Among the reported suitors are Brazilian powerhouses such as Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense, Mexican clubs Pachuca and Monterrey, and African giants including Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Esperance (Tunisia).
These teams aren’t just looking to strengthen their lineups—they want to bring star power and global attention to their Club World Cup campaigns. Ronaldo’s presence would instantly elevate any squad, boost ticket sales, and attract worldwide media coverage.
What did Infantino say?
The Ronaldo rumor mill took a new twist when Gianni Infantino appeared as a guest on IShowSpeed’s livestream. When the topic turned to the Club World Cup, Infantino teased something extraordinary.
“And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said, prompting a shocked reaction from Speed. When asked to confirm, Infantino didn’t hold back. “Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play at a Club World Cup. These are discussions with some clubs. So if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for a Club World Cup… who knows? There’s still some time. It would be fun.”
‘Last dance’ of legends?
Reports dating back to April, notably by journalist Jose Felix Diaz of Marca, revealed that Infantino dreams of a Club World Cup featuring both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—a “last dance” for the two icons who have defined a soccer era.
Díaz suggested that a loan move for Ronaldo to a participating club was being explored. While Al-Nassr is not involved in the tournament, sources close to FIFA reportedly confirmed that Al-Hilal would also not be the destination, leaving the door wide open to one of the other ten interested clubs.
Infantino himself didn’t hide his excitement over the idea. When pressed by Speed on whether he preferred Messi or Ronaldo, the FIFA president gave a diplomatic—but passionate—response.
“Listen, two great players, two incredible players. If you’re Portuguese, you go for Ronaldo; if you’re Argentine, you go for Messi. But if you’re a soccer fan, you want to see both—because you love the game.”
He added: “I’d love to see both of them playing together. Imagine the two of them on the same team. That would be something special.” Speed jokingly replied that he felt it could happen, and Infantino smiled, “In the FIFA team, maybe.”
