Cristiano Ronaldo has firmly dismissed speculation linking him to a short-term stint at the FIFA Club World Cup, asserting that he will not be participating in the tournament despite receiving overtures from several top clubs.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon said, “I will not be at the Club World Cup... Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can't try and do everything. You can't catch every ball.”
The announcement puts to rest growing rumours suggesting the Al-Nassr forward, whose current contract with the Saudi Arabian side concludes at the end of June, might join a Club World Cup team on a short-term basis. Speculation intensified after FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted at the possibility of marquee players featuring in the expanded format of the tournament.
Also read: Ronaldo leads Portugal to Nations League final
Brazilian clubs Fluminense and Palmeiras were reportedly among those that had expressed interest in acquiring Ronaldo’s services for the tournament, hoping to bolster their attacking strength with his experience and global appeal. Though initial discussions were held, no agreement was reached.
Despite the flurry of interest, Ronaldo's sights remain firmly set on international duties. He scored the decisive goal in Portugal’s semi-final victory over Germany and appears fully committed to leading his nation in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Although Al-Nassr are confident of securing a contract extension, Ronaldo has confirmed that a final decision on his next move is imminent. Reports indicate that interest in the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains strong from several quarters, both within and outside Saudi Arabia.
For now, however, Ronaldo remains focused on his national team responsibilities, steering clear of short-term ventures. The decision to skip the Club World Cup marks a clear signal that the veteran forward prefers continuity over fleeting appearances, even as he edges closer to the elusive 1,000-goal career milestone.
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