It was to be one of the headliners in the new format of the Club World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, yet still under contract with Al-Nassr, was hoped for by several qualified clubs to strengthen their image and their attack. But a few days before kick -off, the Portuguese legend ended rumors: he will not participate in the tournament. A decision that surprises as much as it intrigues, as many opportunities seemed numerous for the fivefold Ballon d'Or.
Ronaldo declined all the tracks
Among the serious tracks, Al-Hilal stands out. The Saudi club, engaged in competition, had activated several files to strengthen its workforce, including that of Ronaldo. But according to its President Fahad Bin Nafel, the Mercato Express before the World Cup turned to an impasse: “We have suffered illogical offices and faces players' fatigue after a long season. »» Clearly, despite the desire to hit a big blow with a planetary star, the conditions were not met.
Cristiano Ronaldo, for his part, confirmed the existence of many contacts but made the choice to decline. “You have to think short, medium and long term”he slipped into a press conference. Behind this sentence, a clear strategy: preserving your body and staying focused on its end of contract with Al-Nassr, who hopes to extend it. The Club World Cup was a beautiful showcase, but not a priority for a player who targets a last World Cup with Portugal in 2026.
The Ronaldo enigma: a World Cup without his king
A strategic choice for 2026?
Several foreign clubs (Morocco, Brazil or even Mexico) have tried to seduce it. Some have seen a marketing operation, others a real sporting need. None found the magic formula. Too expensive, too short, too late. Even FIFA believed in it, by the voice of Gianni Infantino, who recently declared that an agreement remained possible. But this hypothesis quickly evaporated, CR7 preferring to let this founding edition pass.
His absence leaves a media vacuum in a competition that puts on large icons to seduce the world public. At 40, Ronaldo remains a central figure in planetary football, but chooses his battles. And this club world, despite its ambition and promises, will not be part. The meeting is missed. Voluntarily.
