With the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 set to kick off in the United States on June 14, speculation around Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move has reached fever pitch. While his current club, Al Nassr , failed to qualify for the tournament , finishing outside the AFC Champions League qualification zone , reports now suggest that the 40-year-old Portuguese legend might make a short-term move to a participating club for one final shot at global glory.
Recent weeks have seen mounting interest from Brazilian clubs and even a surprise spark of excitement from Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca . Though no deal has been confirmed, the rumors are being fueled by cryptic hints, media reports, and even coach reactions.
Moroccan hype: Wydad Casablanca and the Portuguese flag tease
The latest rumor storm began when Spanish outlet Marca reported that Wydad Casablanca, one of Africa’s four representatives at the Club World Cup , had emerged as a surprise contender to land Cristiano Ronaldo for the month-long tournament.
The spark? A video posted by Wydad’s official social media account showing the Portuguese flag, which fans immediately interpreted as a veiled reference to Ronaldo. The teaser ignited speculation that the Casablanca-based club might be hinting at a blockbuster short-term signing of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
However, sources close to the club were quick to temper expectations.
“It was just a friendly talk between Wydad's president and an agent close to Ronaldo, without going beyond informal discussions,” a source told Reuters on May 22.
Wydad club president Hicham Aït Menna went further, telling SNRTNews that the club neither has the intention nor the financial capability to pursue such a deal.
Despite this, fan speculation remains high , in part due to the marketing potential of a Cristiano Ronaldo appearance. RMC Sport reported that FIFA itself is interested in securing Ronaldo’s participation in the Club World Cup, recognizing the promotional value of having football’s two biggest names , Ronaldo and Messi , both involved.
Wydad are drawn in Group G alongside Manchester City (June 18), Juventus (June 22), and Al Ain (June 26). Should they sign Ronaldo, it would mean going head-to-head with the Premier League champions and European giants , a spectacle fans and sponsors alike would crave.
Brazilian clubs join the race
Alongside the Moroccan speculation, Marca also reported that an unnamed Brazilian club has made a lucrative offer to bring Ronaldo in for the Club World Cup. While the club wasn’t named, four Brazilian teams are in the tournament: Palmeiras , Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo.
Though details remain scarce, Botafogo manager Renato Paiva gave an intriguing response when asked directly about the rumors:
“Christmas is only in December... But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that,” Paiva said with a smile.
He went on to emphasize the respect Ronaldo still commands:
“I don’t know anything. I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo is still a prolific goal scorer at his advanced age. He would flourish on a team that generates opportunity after opportunity.”
Paiva then deflected the matter to Botafogo's top brass, hinting at possible involvement from club owner John Textor:
“This question needs to be asked in another language,” he joked, referencing Textor’s American ownership.
Of the four Brazilian teams, Palmeiras is the most intriguing possibility , should Ronaldo join them, he would face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the group stage, creating a tantalizing clash between two of the game's biggest icons.
Uncertainty at Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is uncertain at Al Nassr, who finished a disappointing season without silverware and outside of AFC Champions League qualification. Ronaldo's £164 million-per-year deal is set to expire on June 30, 2025, with no extension confirmed yet.
Despite being the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season with 24 goals, his presence hasn’t been enough to carry Al Nassr to trophies. The club sits in third place, guaranteed, with no path forward in Asia’s top competition.
Chelsea, Inter Miami, and other past rumors
Prior to the more recent Brazilian and Moroccan developments, speculation swirled about Ronaldo making a short-term move to Chelsea, who will represent the Premier League alongside Manchester City. The idea, floated by Times of India and others, suggested Ronaldo could join Chelsea just for the Club World Cup, possibly fulfilling a gap as their missing No. 9.
However, several voices in the football community rejected the idea as unrealistic.
“It would be more like a marketing and media coup than anything, really, in terms of sports logic,” former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda told Racing Tipster.
“It would be great publicity… but no. I’ve seen him play for Al Nassr… he doesn’t really run around a lot,” added ex-England star Chris Waddle , calling it a “publicity stunt.”
There were also rumors about Ronaldo joining Inter Miami, linking him with Lionel Messi for the first time. Goal.com reported that the MLS side was “open to making the pair teammates,” but again, nothing advanced beyond initial speculation.
Even a move to Saudi rivals Al-Hilal was dismissed outright by CEO Esteve Calzada, who called the idea “science fiction”.
What next?
With the tournament starting in less than a month, Ronaldo’s next move could be imminent. He’s played in and won the Club World Cup four times , once with Manchester United (2008) and three times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017). His potential return to the tournament would not only be a nostalgic moment for fans but a huge commercial and media boost for any team that secures his signature.
Whether it’s in Brazil, Morocco, or nowhere at all, the football world watches and waits.
Recent weeks have seen mounting interest from Brazilian clubs and even a surprise spark of excitement from Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca . Though no deal has been confirmed, the rumors are being fueled by cryptic hints, media reports, and even coach reactions.
Moroccan hype: Wydad Casablanca and the Portuguese flag tease
The latest rumor storm began when Spanish outlet Marca reported that Wydad Casablanca, one of Africa’s four representatives at the Club World Cup , had emerged as a surprise contender to land Cristiano Ronaldo for the month-long tournament.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Moroccan club Wydad AC want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for the Club World Cup.🇲🇦🤯🤯
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 21, 2025
(Source: @marca) pic.twitter.com/sNNC2VQfZ4
The spark? A video posted by Wydad’s official social media account showing the Portuguese flag, which fans immediately interpreted as a veiled reference to Ronaldo. The teaser ignited speculation that the Casablanca-based club might be hinting at a blockbuster short-term signing of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
🇵🇹🤝🏼⏳#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/f9AIo3s9eo
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) May 21, 2025
However, sources close to the club were quick to temper expectations.
“It was just a friendly talk between Wydad's president and an agent close to Ronaldo, without going beyond informal discussions,” a source told Reuters on May 22.
Wydad club president Hicham Aït Menna went further, telling SNRTNews that the club neither has the intention nor the financial capability to pursue such a deal.
Despite this, fan speculation remains high , in part due to the marketing potential of a Cristiano Ronaldo appearance. RMC Sport reported that FIFA itself is interested in securing Ronaldo’s participation in the Club World Cup, recognizing the promotional value of having football’s two biggest names , Ronaldo and Messi , both involved.
Wydad are drawn in Group G alongside Manchester City (June 18), Juventus (June 22), and Al Ain (June 26). Should they sign Ronaldo, it would mean going head-to-head with the Premier League champions and European giants , a spectacle fans and sponsors alike would crave.
Brazilian clubs join the race
Alongside the Moroccan speculation, Marca also reported that an unnamed Brazilian club has made a lucrative offer to bring Ronaldo in for the Club World Cup. While the club wasn’t named, four Brazilian teams are in the tournament: Palmeiras , Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has received an offer from an unnamed Brazilian club, which would allow the Portugal star to play in the Fifa Club World Cup which starts in June.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 19, 2025
(Source: @MARCA) pic.twitter.com/XcFkXjidBR
Though details remain scarce, Botafogo manager Renato Paiva gave an intriguing response when asked directly about the rumors:
“Christmas is only in December... But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that,” Paiva said with a smile.
He went on to emphasize the respect Ronaldo still commands:
“I don’t know anything. I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo is still a prolific goal scorer at his advanced age. He would flourish on a team that generates opportunity after opportunity.”
Paiva then deflected the matter to Botafogo's top brass, hinting at possible involvement from club owner John Textor:
“This question needs to be asked in another language,” he joked, referencing Textor’s American ownership.
Of the four Brazilian teams, Palmeiras is the most intriguing possibility , should Ronaldo join them, he would face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the group stage, creating a tantalizing clash between two of the game's biggest icons.
Uncertainty at Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is uncertain at Al Nassr, who finished a disappointing season without silverware and outside of AFC Champions League qualification. Ronaldo's £164 million-per-year deal is set to expire on June 30, 2025, with no extension confirmed yet.
Despite being the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League this season with 24 goals, his presence hasn’t been enough to carry Al Nassr to trophies. The club sits in third place, guaranteed, with no path forward in Asia’s top competition.
Chelsea, Inter Miami, and other past rumors
Prior to the more recent Brazilian and Moroccan developments, speculation swirled about Ronaldo making a short-term move to Chelsea, who will represent the Premier League alongside Manchester City. The idea, floated by Times of India and others, suggested Ronaldo could join Chelsea just for the Club World Cup, possibly fulfilling a gap as their missing No. 9.
However, several voices in the football community rejected the idea as unrealistic.
“It would be more like a marketing and media coup than anything, really, in terms of sports logic,” former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda told Racing Tipster.
“It would be great publicity… but no. I’ve seen him play for Al Nassr… he doesn’t really run around a lot,” added ex-England star Chris Waddle , calling it a “publicity stunt.”
There were also rumors about Ronaldo joining Inter Miami, linking him with Lionel Messi for the first time. Goal.com reported that the MLS side was “open to making the pair teammates,” but again, nothing advanced beyond initial speculation.
Even a move to Saudi rivals Al-Hilal was dismissed outright by CEO Esteve Calzada, who called the idea “science fiction”.
What next?
With the tournament starting in less than a month, Ronaldo’s next move could be imminent. He’s played in and won the Club World Cup four times , once with Manchester United (2008) and three times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017). His potential return to the tournament would not only be a nostalgic moment for fans but a huge commercial and media boost for any team that secures his signature.
Whether it’s in Brazil, Morocco, or nowhere at all, the football world watches and waits.
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