FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that talks are ongoing for Cristiano Ronaldo to feature at the inaugural edition of the FIFA Club World Cup in June.
The tournament is scheduled to be played in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
It is the first under an expanded format with 32 teams, including the winners of the four previous continental championships.
Lionel Messi is expected to feature because FIFA invited Inter Miami to participate in the tournament in the slot reserved for the host nation’s champions.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr did not qualify for the tournament but Infantino has suggested that he could join one of the 32 teams to participate in the inaugural edition.
Infantino said: “Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup. 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’ time, will be fun.”
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that teams at the tournament can sign players under a special arrangement.
Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Al Nassr, it remains to be seen if he would join any of the teams participating in the tournament.
Transfers can be made from June 1-10 and again from June 27 to July 3, according to exceptional rules FIFA approved in October.
“The objective is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation,” FIFA said in Wednesday’s statement
According to reports, Brazilian side Botafogo, who will be playing in the FIFA World Club Cup have also been linked with a move for Ronaldo.
