Infantino hints Ronaldo could still feature in Club World Cup: ‘Wouldn’t that be something special’
Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, did not qualify for the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July. However, Infantino suggested there may still be a path for the 40-year-old Portuguese star to join the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo might yet feature in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, despite his current absence from the tournament's squad list. The surprising revelation came during a livestream appearance on 23 May with American YouTuber and influencer iShowSpeed.
Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, did not qualify for the Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July. However, Infantino suggested there may still be a path for the 40-year-old Portuguese star to join the tournament.
"Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup – there are discussions," said Infantino during the stream. When pressed by Speed for further details, he added: "There are discussions with some clubs. So if any club is watching and interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows."
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The clip of the exchange has quickly gone viral, sparking a wave of speculation online. One social media user wrote, "Wow, this is some good news," while another commented, "FIFA president in his stream? This is another level." A third remarked on the unlikely pairing, saying, "Speed is just casually sitting with the FIFA president like it's his everyday friend. LMAO this guy."
However, not everyone was thrilled with Infantino's comments. According to a report by The Athletic, Ronaldo's representatives were displeased with the public speculation about the forward's future, particularly as no formal agreement is in place.
Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, has qualified for the tournament as host nation champions after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. That sparked further online chatter, with fans floating the possibility of Beckham making a dramatic move to sign Ronaldo. One user wrote, "He said 'might'. Beckham could do the craziest thing in sports history."
During the same stream, Infantino was also asked the age-old debate: "Messi or Ronaldo?" The FIFA president diplomatically replied: "Two incredible players. If you are Portuguese, then you are for Ronaldo. If you are from Argentina, you are for Messi. I would love to see them play together. Imagine the two of them in the same team – wouldn't that be something special?"
