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Cristiano Ronaldo Rejects Flamengo’s Approach To Play At 2025 FIFA Club World Cup 6n1l9
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Al-Nassr and Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly rejected a transfer approach from Flamengo that would’ve enabled him to play at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ronaldo Rejects Opportunity To Play At Club World Cup 2z47n
Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected an approach from Flamengo to play at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
The Portugal icon has been linked with a whole host of clubs that have qualified for the tournament, with his Al-Nassr contract due to expire at the end of the month. It is expected, however, that he will extend his stay with the Saudi side.
This hasn’t stopped the rumour mill, though. Reports broke last month that the 40-year-old had been approached by a Brazilian club to play for them. Flamengo president Mario Bittencourt has seemingly confirmed these rumours.
Bittencourt revealed that he’d spoken to Ronaldo’s agent, only to be told that he had no interest in the prospect: “I have a relationship with Jorge [Mendes]. Not a very close one, but if I call him, he answers.
“I asked him if there was any chance of Cristiano playing in the Club World Cup. He was very clear in telling me that he’s not interested in playing in Brazil for now.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has also been linked with Botafogo, who will also play at the Club World Cup. Their manager, Renato Paiva, responded to the links when pressed by of the media.
“Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that.
“I don’t know anything – I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.”
FIFA President: “Ronaldo Might Play at Club World Cup” 51155f
FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed last month that there’s a chance Ronaldo could play at the tournament.
Speaking to YouTuber and streamer iShowSpeed, Infantino said: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions.
“Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows?”
🚨| WATCH: Gianni Infantino tells Speed there’s a chance Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the FIFA World Cup 🤯 pic.twitter.com/zax7kMtD1o
— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) May 23, 2025
His presence at the Club World Cup would provide a major boost to what is already a star-studded lineup, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Ousmane Dembele set to feature.
Who Else Could Ronaldo Play For At The Club World Cup? 232o3f
There are 32 teams playing at the United States-based competition, so there are plenty of options available to Ronaldo.
Whether he wishes to any of these sides, short-term or long-term, is an entirely different story, though. As previously mentioned, he is expected to stay at Al-Nassr, with reports suggesting he’s in talks over a new bumper contract.
However, he has also been linked with Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s sole representative at the Club World Cup.
Although unlikely, this would be the move that makes the most sense, as it keeps him in the Saudi Pro League. It would also set up a clash against his former club, Real Madrid, who Al-Hilal are in Group H alongside.
Los Blancos are also an option, of course, and so are another one of his former clubs in Juventus.
Additionally, Monterrey of Liga MX have been tipped as potential suitors. Some Mexican outlets have claimed that Ronaldo could link up with his former teammate Sergio Ramos for the tournament.
Elsewhere, Manchester City and Chelsea are the only Premier League teams at the FIFA Club World Cup, and it seems highly unlikely that either of those sides would look to secure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s services.
MLS outfit LAFC, who previously had a Galactico in Gareth Bale among their ranks, also provide an interesting option.