Cristiano Ronaldo May Feature in FIFA Club World Cup, Says Infantino

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly in “discussions” about potentially playing in FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup this summer, as stated by Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. The tournament is set to take place in the United States in June, and the unique transfer window has opened up opportunities for Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, a Saudi Arabian club that did not qualify for the tournament.

Infantino noted that there could be a possibility for the Portuguese superstar to join one of the 32 competing teams. “Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” he mentioned during an appearance on the online streamer IShowSpeed’s channel, which boasts more than 39 million subscribers. “There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup, who knows? Still a few weeks away; it will be fun.”

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that last-minute transfer signings are available to all teams participating in the tournament. This has fueled speculation that one of the clubs could seek to sign the 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo on a short-term contract, possibly a loan, which would be an unprecedented move in modern football. Such a transfer could enhance FIFA’s profile and boost ticket sales for the inaugural tournament held across 11 cities in the U.S.

Additionally, if Cristiano Ronaldo were to transfer, it would set the stage for a reunion with Lionel Messi in the same competition for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Last October, FIFA invited Messi’s Inter Miami to compete in the tournament, despite the club being eliminated in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Speculative connections have emerged linking Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Hilal, the only Saudi club that qualified, as well as Brazilian club Palmeiras and Wydad of Morocco, which is currently banned by FIFA from registering new signings. According to FIFA’s exceptional rules approved in October, transfers can occur from June 1-10 and again from June 27 to July 3.

“The objective is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation,” FIFA stated in its announcement on Wednesday.