Ronaldo Stays Put: Al Hilal Rules Out Shock Transfer for CWC!

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - As the anticipation builds for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a topic of lively discussion, yet he won’t be gracing the tournament with his presence. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made headlines by urging clubs to consider signing the iconic player, whose contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr is set to expire shortly. With the tournament kicking off on June 14 in the U.S., it seemed like a tantalizing prospect to have Ronaldo involved, but things are not playing out as hoped.

According to The Manila Times, FIFA even created a mini transfer window specifically for the tournament, running from June 1 to June 10, to facilitate any potential signings. Rumors began swirling about a possible move to Al Hilal—the club that represents Saudi Arabia at the Club World Cup. However, the situation is complex due to the fierce rivalry between Al Hilal and Al-Nassr, and Al Hilal’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, made it clear that signing a player from their biggest rival would be “completely counter-intuitive.”

Rivalry and Realities

While Al Hilal is set to participate, they do so without a world-renowned player, despite a big signing like Brazil’s Neymar, who unfortunately was released due to an ACL injury. This absence raises questions about the team’s competitive edge given the talented lineup of clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain participating in the tournament.

Calzada echoed this sentiment, stating that the impracticality of bringing Ronaldo on loan for just three to four weeks further complicates things. He emphasized that the club is open to attracting top talent but hasn’t made any significant signings yet, possibly due to high financial demands from potential acquisitions. Al Hilal appointed Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach on June 4, paving the way for fresh tactics, but without Ronaldo, their aspirations seem limited.

Ronaldo’s Direction

The reality check for fans who hoped to see Ronaldo shine at the CWC comes from the fact that he and Al-Nassr did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Al-Nassr finished fifth in the AFC ranking, thus missing out on the coveted slots allocated for this expanded event, which has grown to feature 32 clubs. Sports Illustrated notes that he confirmed receiving multiple offers for the tournament but opted not to compete.

With his contract set to end on June 30 and no extension in sight, fans are left pondering Ronaldo’s future. His recent social media hints suggest a potential departure from the Saudi league, and other clubs, even Moroccan side Wydad AC, have expressed interest. His legendary status in the Club World Cup, where he remains the all-time leading scorer with seven goals, adds another layer of intrigue to his next move.

A New Chapter Awaits

As Al Hilal prepares for heavy-hitting matches against the likes of Real Madrid and RB Salzburg during the tournament, the absence of Ronaldo still looms large. His history of winning the Club World Cup four times, and the prospect of fresh challengers vying to overtake his goal record, sends a message: while he may not be in the spotlight, his legacy endures. The world of soccer will undoubtedly be watching keenly to see where Ronaldo’s journey takes him next.