Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, dismissing speculation linking him with a move to one of the competing teams.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain in Munich on Sunday, the 40-year-old captain addressed persistent rumours about his club future, confirming that he would not feature in the newly expanded tournament in the United States later this month.
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“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” Ronaldo said. However, he acknowledged that several participating clubs had reached out to him. “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,” he added.
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Ronaldo’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, especially after he posted a cryptic message on social media in May stating, “The chapter is over.” That message coincided with reports linking him to a potential move to fellow Saudi club Al-Hilal, one of the teams competing in the Club World Cup.
With his contract at Al-Nassr set to expire at the end of June, speculation grew that Ronaldo could make a short-term move to play in the tournament. But the Portuguese legend made it clear that he is not considering a temporary switch.
“I’m not interested in making a short-term decision just to compete,” he said, suggesting that his next move will be more long-term and strategic. Ronaldo also revealed that a decision on his future is “almost final.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains focused on international duty as he looks to lead Portugal to Nations League glory, adding another chapter to his illustrious career.
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