Cristiano Ronaldo has dealt a major blow to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, confirming he will not be taking part in this summer’s Club World Cup.
After another trophyless season with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo failed to qualify for the competition, with Aleksandr Mitrovic’s Al-Hilal attending instead due to their 2021 AFC Champions League victory.
As the tournament is being hosted in Florida, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are automatically entered into the competition.
With Al-Nassr failing to qualify and Ronaldo’s contract expiring this summer, rumours had been circulating that the Portuguese could leave to join a club that was competing in the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy in Saudi Arabia
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However, on Saturday, Ronaldo firmly denied these rumours.
“It’s almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals,” Ronaldo stated.
“There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to score for both Al-Nassr and Portugal
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The former Manchester United star has been linked with a return to Sporting Lisbon, as well as MLS teams, and Brazilian clubs over recent weeks.
Infantino had hoped that Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr would qualify, or the Portuguese would join a club that has already qualified, to create a final face-off between Messi and Ronaldo.
Such an event would undoubtedly garner hundreds of millions of spectators.
Instead, Messi will be competing in the competition without his arch-nemesis.
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After his season finished last month, Ronaldo had taken to X to write a cryptic message regarding his Al-Nassr future, saying the “chapter is over”.
However, reports from French outlet Foot Mercato now claim Al-Nassr have reached a "full agreement" with Ronaldo to extend his contract despite his apparent exit hints.
The report suggests a deal has already been signed, with the former Real Madrid star expected to remain with the Saudi club until 2027.
Ronaldo has endured an indifferent time in Saudi Arabia, scoring 93 goals in 105 games for Al-Nassr, but failing to win a major trophy, to his frustration.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has 93 goals in 105 games for Al-Nassr
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His form shows no sign of slowing down, and he failed to confirm any plans to retire: “I don’t have many more years to play… but I’m enjoying the moment.
“There’s no day decided for my retirement. I feel happy, I’m here to enjoy and keep going until the day I like this,” he said on Saturday.
2025 marks the first year of the new-look Club World Cup.
Previously, seven teams from each continent competed annually for the title.
Now, the tournament has been expanded to 32 teams, and will only be competed every four years.
England’s representation for this year’s tournament are Manchester City and Chelsea, both of whom have tasted success in the Champions League over the last four years.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Xabi Alonso will make their debuts at Real Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain will look to continue their momentum from the 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan, who also feature.
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