In the lead-up to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, speculation swirled around an eyebrow-raising question: Could Cristiano Ronaldo make a surprise appearance in the tournament, despite Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify? Whispers of a short-term move had gained traction, placing Al-Hilal — Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club and the nation’s representative at the global event — at the center of an unexpected transfer saga.
The buzz intensified after FIFA’s last-minute rule change allowed clubs to exploit a special mini transfer window, seemingly paving the way for one of soccer’s greatest icons to make a cameo on the world stage. But behind the headlines and internet rumors, Al-Hilal’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, has now pulled back the curtain, offering clarity on the dream that many fans were beginning to entertain.
Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino “dangling the prospect” of Ronaldo’s Club World Cup involvement during a conversation with streamer iShowSpeed, Calzada has confirmed that Al-Hilal never pursued the idea. “We normally don’t comment on players’ situations, particularly because our name is always put out there when a player or an agent wants to negotiate a better deal with his club, or is trying to move out,” Calzada told BBC Sport.
The rumors had legs: Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr was set to expire this summer, and FIFA’s rule tweak opened the door for short-term deals. With both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), some believed a one-month switch was feasible. But to Calzada, the notion was illogical on every level.
“As much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all recognize he is, it’s certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you — even more when it’s only for three to four weeks,” he emphasized.
Unusual transfer window, but firm boundaries
The transfer window created specifically for the tournament added a surreal element to the speculation. Clubs were scrambling to reinforce squads with limited time and options. Yet for the Blue Waves, short-term flash was never the priority.
“It’s been a very weird transfer window — a very short period of time,” he explained. “You don’t want to take a decision thinking about this tournament that then you have to carry on with for the next two or three years.”
Instead, Al-Hilal opted for a more calculated approach, saving their big moves for the traditional post-tournament window. The club also made headlines by appointing former Inter boss Simone Inzaghi as head coach, signaling a long-term vision that goes beyond temporary stardom.
