International Sports
Ronaldo turns down Club World Cup move amid Al-Nassr contract talks
Ronaldo, whose contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr expires this month, is reportedly in discussions about a possible extension that would see him remain in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo has declined an offer to join Brazilian side Fluminense for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, despite mounting interest in seeing the Portuguese legend take part in the inaugural expanded tournament set to kick off in the United States later this month.
Brazilian club Fluminense’s president Mario Bittencourt confirmed reaching out to Ronaldo’s long-time agent Jorge Mendes, only to be told the 40-year-old forward was not interested in playing in Brazil at this time.
Ronaldo, whose record-breaking contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr expires this month, is reportedly in discussions about a possible extension that would see him remain in the Saudi Pro League.
His rejection comes amid growing calls—led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino—for him to participate in the $1 billion tournament, where global stars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland are expected to feature.
While Fluminense—drawn in a group with Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan Hyundai, and Mamelodi Sundowns—sought to lure the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to their ranks, hopes of a dramatic Ronaldo appearance now rest on whether any of the other competing clubs can tempt him with a short-term deal.
For now, Ronaldo remains focused on international duty, with Portugal preparing for a UEFA Nations League semi-final clash against Germany.
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains a prolific scorer, and speculation continues to swirl over whether another marquee move might be in the works before his storied career winds down.