Ronaldo Confirms He’ll Sit Out 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, has been extremely adamant that he will not play in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13, 2025, in the United States. Despite receiving a number of offers from clubs participating in the tournament, the Al Nassr and Portugal forward claimed that his first allegiance is to the national team and the next UEFA Nations League final against Spain in Munich.

Speaking in advance of a pre-match press conference, Ronaldo disregarded speculation of an interim transfer to play with a Club World Cup team. "It's irrelevant, as it stands it doesn't make sense to talk about anything else but the national team," he said, stating that while some offers "make sense," others don't. He reconfirmed his decision is "practically decided" on his part not to compete in the tournament.

Ronaldo's current Saudi champions Al Nassr contract expires at the end of June. The veteran laid the groundwork for a future contract negotiation but refused to say when he will retire, announcing on social media: "This chapter is over. The story? Still being written." His recent winning goal in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Germany confirmed his continued global involvement.

With Argentina's Lionel Messi and others due to feature in the USA tournament, Ronaldo's unavailability is a big talking point heading into the inaugural tournament under the new format. Both critics and supporters will closely watch as the 40-year-old struggles with uncertainties at his club and aspirations for the national team.