Cristiano Ronaldo`s time at Al-Nassr may be concluding, judging by his recent social media message, but the Portuguese icon, at 40, doesn`t seem to be considering retirement. Following the end of the Saudi Pro League season, Ronaldo posted, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Thanks to all.” While he did secure the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, defeating Al-Hilal for his single club trophy with Al-Nassr, he might not have to wait long for another chance at silverware, regardless of his next team.
Staying in the Saudi Pro League is a possibility, with reports suggesting Al-Hilal`s interest in his services. However, this leads to a more significant question: could Ronaldo participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup? With the tournament set to begin on June 14, featuring Al Ahly against Inter Miami, his involvement is certainly plausible. Clubs have strong incentives to sign Ronaldo, given his vast experience and success in various competitions. Furthermore, his participation could potentially set the stage for a highly anticipated, possibly final, encounter with his long-time rival, Lionel Messi, on American soil. Opportunities for such a matchup are rare, so if it can be arranged this summer, there`s a compelling reason to pursue it.
Transfer Window Opportunity
Traditionally, the summer transfer window opens in early July. However, influenced by the Club World Cup schedule and players whose contracts expire after June, a brief, special transfer window has been created from June 1-10. This allows teams competing in the CWC to strengthen their rosters before the tournament starts. All teams can use this window, providing CWC participants an early chance to finalize deals and potentially use the tournament as part of their preseason preparation.
Technically, a player could join a team during this short window and then move to another club after the Club World Cup. FIFA rules permit a player to be registered for up to three clubs in a season, though they can only play official matches for two. Thus, Ronaldo could sign with a team for the tournament and then transfer elsewhere afterward if he wishes, even if that involves continuing his stay with a Saudi club like Al Nassr under a new arrangement.
Potential Clubs and the Messi Matchup Possibility
Many clubs participating in the Club World Cup would be eager to sign Ronaldo. Leading contenders might include Al-Hilal and Egypt`s Al Ahly. Major European teams might be hesitant about a short-term contract due to concerns about team chemistry. However, clubs globally might view Ronaldo as a strategic, temporary signing to boost their chances against top-tier competitors in the tournament. From a personal narrative standpoint, a move to Al-Hilal would also create an intriguing scenario of Ronaldo potentially facing his former club, Real Madrid.
Additionally, as a team owned by Saudi Arabia`s Public Investment Fund, Al-Hilal would likely have no issue matching Ronaldo`s current compensation. Al Ahly has also reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their squad for the competition. While they may lack the financial resources of Saudi clubs, the increased prize money from the Club World Cup can help clubs like Al Ahly compete for players they might not otherwise afford. Crucially, an Al Ahly signing of Ronaldo could lead to a sensational opening match against Inter Miami, setting up a final, seemingly improbable, face-off between Ronaldo and Messi.
