Ronaldo is unlikely to participate in Club World Cup – News
Reports now confirm that Ronaldo is unlikely to participate in Club World Cup this summer. The Portugal captain has explicitly stated he will skip the newly expanded tournament despite receiving multiple offers from interested clubs. Instead of chasing another club trophy, Ronaldo says he will focus on other priorities — chiefly his upcoming international season. This announcement deals a blow to FIFA’s efforts to promote the event.
The New 2025 Club World Cup Format
The FIFA Club World Cup has been revamped for 2025, with an expanded 32-team format scheduled from mid-June to mid-July in the United States. All current confederation champions will compete in eight groups of four, mirroring the structure of the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino even arranged a special one-time transfer window so star players could join qualified teams specifically for the tournament. Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s current club in Saudi Arabia, failed to qualify. That meant any chance for Ronaldo to take part would require a short-term move to one of the qualified teams.
This will be the first Club World Cup held in four years. In December 2023, FIFA announced the USA as host. The tournament will feature group stages followed by knockout rounds. For more details, visit the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 page or check out our internal Club World Cup 2025 guide.
Ronaldo Confirms His Decision
Amid all the speculation, Cristiano Ronaldo has now put the matter to rest. Speaking after a Portugal training session in Munich, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stated flatly, “I will not be at the Club World Cup.” He noted that “some teams reached out to me,” but added that “you can’t try and do everything. You can’t catch every ball.”
While several clubs were interested, Ronaldo made it clear he would not accept any of the short-term offers. In follow-up comments, he said he had received “quite a few” offers from participating clubs but ultimately decided against any move. “Some things make sense to talk about, other things don’t,” he explained.
Ronaldo’s decision not to join the tournament aligns with his long-term focus and current priorities — something he’s made crystal clear.
Why Ronaldo Is Skipping the Tournament
Several factors influenced Ronaldo’s decision. At 40 years old, the veteran forward is carefully managing his workload. Playing extra matches immediately after the club season — including a long trip to the U.S. — did not make sense to him. He had “quite a few invitations” to join qualified teams, but none aligned with his goals.
This is disappointing for many fans and for FIFA. Infantino had hoped the global superstar would headline the tournament. With the confirmation that Ronaldo is unlikely to participate in Club World Cup, the event loses one of its biggest stars. However, Portugal fans will appreciate having their captain fully focused on national duty.
For additional coverage, see BBC Sport’s Football section which also highlighted Ronaldo’s decision.
What’s Next for Ronaldo?
Looking ahead, Ronaldo’s club future remains open. His current deal with Al-Nassr expires at the end of June, and the club has reportedly offered him a new contract. For now, though, the Club World Cup chapter is closed.
On social media, he hinted at a new phase in his career by writing, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written.” One thing is certain: Ronaldo is unlikely to participate in the Club World Cup, and he won’t be appearing in the 2025 U.S. tournament.
Internal Focus vs Club Commitments
Ronaldo has always taken national duty seriously. With Portugal preparing for the UEFA Nations League and other major tournaments, it’s clear where his heart lies. His decision is not a rejection of club football — it’s a realignment of priorities. For fans, this clarity brings closure.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation that Ronaldo is unlikely to participate in the Club World Cup ends weeks of speculation. It marks a shift in his career priorities and serves as a reminder that even legends must make tough decisions. While the 32-team tournament will continue with top global clubs, it will do so without one of football’s most iconic figures.
Fans can still look forward to a competitive Club World Cup, but they’ll also be watching what Ronaldo does next, beyond the June–July tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will not play in the 2025 Club World Cup.
- He turned down multiple offers from clubs participating in the tournament.
- His focus remains on international duty with Portugal.
- The expanded Club World Cup will go on without him.
- For more information, visit the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 page or our Club World Cup 2025 guide.
