Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms He Will Not Play in 2025 Club World Cup

 The Portuguese legend shuts down transfer rumors, saying his focus remains on the national team despite multiple Club World Cup invitations

Cristiano Ronaldo answering some question Photo Credit: Getty Image

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially confirmed that he will not participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, ending weeks of intense speculation. The Portuguese superstar addressed the rumors during a press conference in Munich ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final, stating clearly that his focus remains solely on the national team.

“It’s something that’s practically decided on my part, which is not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had plenty of invitations,” Ronaldo revealed. He emphasized that the timing and nature of the tournament simply don’t align with his current priorities.

The 2025 Club World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 14 in the United States, will feature 32 teams for the first time. Ronaldo’s current club, Al-Nassr, is not among the participants, and his contract with the Saudi Pro League side is set to expire on June 30. Despite this gap in scheduling, Ronaldo dismissed the idea of a short-term move just to compete in the tournament.

“You can’t go to all of them (clubs), you have to think short, medium and long term,” he said. “Some offers made sense and others didn’t. You can’t catch every ball.”

Ronaldo in a short interview Photo credit: Getty Image

Ronaldo remained firm about keeping the spotlight on Portugal rather than his club future: “It’s irrelevant, at the moment it doesn’t make sense to talk about things other than the national team.”

While clubs from Europe and MLS were reportedly interested in a temporary deal to bring Ronaldo in for the competition  with some rumors even linking him to Chelsea or Inter Miami the player made it clear he won’t be joining any side just for a few matches. “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written,” he said in a recent social media post following the end of Al-Nassr’s season.

The 39-year-old’s decision brings clarity to the swirling rumors and reinforces his commitment to international football. It also leaves fans to speculate on what’s next after his contract with Al-Nassr ends, but one thing is certain: Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the pitch when the Club World Cup kicks off later this month.