FIFA president Gianni Infantino has boldly claimed Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the Club World Cup this summer – despite his team not qualifying.
Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s current side, missed out on the newly expanded 32-team tournament with Al Hilal the only Saudi outfit set to compete in the United States.
The 40-year-old forward has been locked in talks over a contract extension and it is believed there are no plans for him to be allowed to leave on loan.
But Infantino raised eyebrows by suggesting Ronaldo could still feature at the showpiece and revealing ‘discussions’ have taken place.
Speaking in a surprise interview appearance alongside streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: ‘Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.
‘There are discussions.’
Cristiano Ronaldo could make a sensational appearance at the Club World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed bombshell ‘discussions’ have taken place
The new-look tournament will take place in the United States between June 14 and July 13
Pushed on whether Ronaldo would play in the competition, Infantino doubled down, responding: ‘Yeah, 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.’
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is set to run down this summer but reports have suggested he is close to agreeing to fresh terms to stay in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Athletic, the superstar’s representatives have expressed their unhappiness with Infantino’s bombshell comments on his future.
Spanish publication Marca recently reported that an unnamed Brazilian club had tabled an offer to Ronaldo. Botafogo are one of four Brazilian sides to have qualified for the Club World Cup, and their coach Renato Paiva appeared open to the swoop.
He told reporters: ‘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.’
In October, FIFA unanimously approved plans to allow national associations to create an ‘exceptional registration window’ stretching from June 1 to June 10, which will enable teams competing in the Club World Cup to sign players before the showpiece.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr is set to run down this summer but he could pen an extension
Infantino recently returned late from attending several events with US President Donald Trump
The new-look tournament takes place between June 14 and July 13 in the US.
Ronaldo’s former sides Real Madrid and Juventus have qualified for the tournament while Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will participate through the host nation slot.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United by mutual agreement midway through the 2022-23 campaign.
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Meanwhile, Infantino landed himself in hot water with angry FIFA members who turned their back on him by walking out of his speech at the governing body’s congress, after he turned up late following events he attended with Donald Trump.
Infantino had joined Trump on the US president’s trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia last week, which he prioritised over the annual gathering of FIFA’s membership.
The Swiss, 55, took a private jet from Qatar to Asuncion but arrived at the meeting several hours late, sparking a furious reaction from delegates.
And Infantino suffered the embarrassment of several officials walking out in protest, including eight members of the ruling FIFA council and FA head Debbie Hewitt.
