Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has made a shocking announcement about a possible major development: Cristiano Ronaldo could participate in the Club World Cup.


The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is rapidly drawing near.

, and excitement is mounting for what is expected to be one of the largest events in international club soccer. The event is being hosted in the

United States

for the first time, this expanded edition of the tournament is drawing attention not just for its format and participating clubs—but for the possible inclusion of

one of the game’s most legendary figures

.

Earlier this month,

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, dropped a bombshell on a stunning potential


move

:

Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup

His remarks, during a livestream with web celebrity
IShowSpeed
, has introduced a mysterious and thrilling dimension to a contest that was already filled with headlines.


The status of Cristiano Ronaldo’s time at Al-Nassr is still unclear.

, despite reports that he is close to renewing his contract with the Saudi club.

Saudi media indicate that a proposal for a two-year extension is being considered.

, but the decision is not yet finalized. That uncertainty has led to a

frenzy of interest from clubs across the globe

—especially those qualified for the Club World Cup.

According to

Diario AS

,

Ten teams are competing to secure the signing of the Portuguese veteran.

, all eager to secure his services either permanently or on a temporary basis for the duration of the tournament. The potential takers said to be considering signing him reportedly include

Brazilian powerhouses

such as

Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense

,

Mexican clubs


Pachuca

and

Monterrey

, and

African giants

including

Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Esperance (Tunisia)

.

These teams aren’t merely aiming to bolster their rosters; they’re seeking to attract superstar talent and international focus for their Club World Cup efforts.

Ronaldo’s presence would instantly elevate any squad

, increase ticket sales, and draw global media attention.

What did Infantino say?

The gossip around Ronaldo took a new turn when

Gianni Infantino was a guest on IShowSpeed’s livestream.

. When the topic turned to the Club World Cup,

Infantino teased something extraordinary

.


“And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams at the Club World Cup

,”
Infantino said, prompting a shocked reaction from Speed. When asked to confirm, Infantino didn’t hold back.

“Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play at a Club World Cup. These are discussions with some clubs. So if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for a Club World Cup… who knows? There’s still some time. It would be fun.”


‘Last dance’ of legends?

Reports dating back to April, notably by journalist

Jose Felix Diaz

of
Marca
, revealed that

Infantino dreams of a Club World Cup featuring both Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

—a “last dance” for the two icons who have defined a soccer era.

Díaz suggested that

a loan move for Ronaldo

Exploring participation with a club was under consideration. While Al-Nassr is

not participating in the competition

, sources near FIFA allegedly verified that

Al-Hilal would similarly not be where they end up.

, keeping the door open for one of the remaining ten interested teams.

Infantino was not shy about expressing his enthusiasm for the concept. In response to Speed’s inquiry regarding whether he favored Messi or Ronaldo, the FIFA president delivered an eloquent yet fervent answer.



Listen up, these are two phenomenal athletes, each outstanding in their own right. Should you be from Portugal, you’d likely root for Ronaldo; if Argentina’s your home, then Messi would probably have your support. However, as a true football enthusiast, you’d want to watch both because what you truly cherish is the sport itself.

He added:

I really want to witness both of them performing together. Just think about these two individuals being part of the same team. It would undoubtedly make for an extraordinary experience.

Speed jokingly replied that he felt it could happen, and Infantino smiled,

In the FIFA squad, perhaps.


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