Why doesn’t Cristiano Ronaldo play at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Portugal Captain Unveils

Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to rest instead of playing in the renewed Club World Cup, said the Portuguese International on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two -year contract, which would keep his 42nd birthday in the club.

Speculation about the plans of the 40-year-old Intivert last month when FIFA president Gianni Infantino said there were discussions about Ronaldo who played in the club World Cup, even though Al-Nassr could not qualify.

«I had a number of offers to play in the World Cup, but I think it was not logical because I would rather have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will take a long time, as long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year,» Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X.

«I not only want to be ready for Al-Nassr, but also for the national team. So I have decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything,» he added.

«And of course to be in this club that I love».

Ronaldo scored earlier this month for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain, which ended 2-2 before his side started beating the European champion on penalties.

The captain of Portugal said that his goal was when staying in Al-Nassr to win a large trophy with the side-based side.

«My goal, it is always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in it,» Ronaldo added.

«That’s why I have renewed the two years because I believe I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia».

Ronaldo, who came to Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, scored 93 goals in 105 performances for the Saudi side in all competitions.

Ronaldo also looks at the milestone of 1,000 goals in his career. He scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to bring his count to 932.