The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a global spectacle, but one headline still eludes confirmation: the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. While the Portuguese legend is not currently slated to participate, a surprising twist could change everything. A former Real Madrid teammate, now starring for one of the tournament’s participating teams, may be the unexpected bridge to bring Ronaldo into the fold.
The door was opened when FIFA modified the summer transfer rules, allowing clubs to sign players specifically for the Club World Cup, which takes place from June 14 to July 13 in the United States. As speculation grows, one name has emerged as a quiet orchestrator behind the scenes: Sergio Ramos.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has long spoken about his desire to see both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo featured in the revamped tournament. “There are talks with some clubs,” Infantino revealed during a livestream with YouTube sensation IShowSpeed. “So if a club is watching this and is interested in signing Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows? There are still a few weeks to go, it will be exciting.”
With Al-Nassr, the Portuguese veteran’s current club, not qualified for the tournament, his absence seemed all but guaranteed—until now. FIFA’s decision to allow short-term transfers has completely changed the narrative.
According to Diario AS, a club has made a formal approach to sign Ronaldo exclusively for the Club World Cup. That club is Liga MX’s Monterrey, and at the heart of the plan is none other than Sergio Ramos, Ronaldo’s longtime ally and former teammate at Real Madrid.
Ramos to rekindle the partnership?
Sergio Ramos, now a veteran defender for Monterrey, has reportedly played a pivotal role in the negotiation process. Diario AS claims that the Spaniard has acted as a personal motivator and link between Ronaldo and Rayados’ leadership, enticing him with the prospect of competing at the highest level alongside familiar faces. The squad also includes former La Liga stars Sergio Canales and Oliver Torres, offering Ronaldo a familiar, competitive environment.
The proposal would see the 40-year-old sign a one-month deal, just for the duration of the tournament. The offer is said to be worth around $5 million, making it one of the most expensive short-term contracts in Mexican soccer history.
