Sunday, May 25 2025 | Time 00:12 Hrs(IST)
SportsPosted at: May 24 2025 5:57PM


Ronaldo could play in Club World Cup: Infantino

Madrid, May 24 (UNI) FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed "there are discussions" over Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the Club World Cup this summer.
Ronaldo's club, Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League, failed to qualify for the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States.
But Infantino says the 40-year-old Portugal forward, who is out of contract this summer, could still feature in the new-look event.
During an interview with YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino talked about Ronaldo's great rival Lionel Messi playing in the tournament's opening game on June 14 for his Inter Miami side, the
BBC reported.
He then added: "And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.
"There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup... who knows, who knows."
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's contract expires on June 30.
This year's Club World Cup will be the first to be played in the summer and the first to feature more than eight teams.
World football's governing body FIFA has therefore introduced an additional transfer window from 1-10 June, allowing clubs to complete deals in time for the tournament.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported last weekend that an unnamed Brazilian club had made an offer to Ronaldo.
Botafogo are one of four Brazilian teams to have qualified and their coach Renato Paiva was asked about Ronaldo last Sunday.
He laughed before saying: "Christmas is only in December. But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that.
"I don't know anything - I'm just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good."
Botafogo are owned by American businessman John Textor, who also holds a majority stake in Crystal Palace.
Ronaldo won the Champions League four times during nine seasons with Real Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018.
Real and Juve are among the 12 European clubs that have qualified, which includes Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City.
Between them either Ronaldo or Messi won the Ballon d'Or from 2008 to 2017, before Messi won it three more times to give the Argentine forward, 37, a record eight wins.
Messi's Inter Miami are in the same group as Egypt's Al Ahly, Portuguese side Porto and Brazilian club Palmeiras.
UNI BM
Tags: #Ronaldo could play in Club World Cup: Infantino
More News
Marcus Stoinis' late blitz lifts Punjab Kings to 206/8

Marcus Stoinis' late blitz lifts Punjab Kings to 206/8

24 May 2025 | 10:02 PM

Jaipur, May 24 (UNI) Delhi Capitals' decision to bowl first seemed a bold one, but Punjab Kings responded with a commanding 206 for eight in their 20 overs in an IPL encounter at Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Saturday.

see more..

Tsitsipas admits long-hidden admiration for Nadal

24 May 2025 | 9:37 PM

Paris, May 24 (UNI) In a heartfelt admission on the sidelines of the French Open, Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he had always admired Rafael Nadal but never publicly acknowledged it — until now.

see more..

In best-ever clay form for French Open: Medvedev

24 May 2025 | 9:08 PM

Paris, May 24 (UNI) Former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev on Saturday declared that he is playing the best clay-court tennis of his career, ahead of Roland-Garros.

see more..

Andhra Cricket Assn to construct sports ground in every constituency: ACA president

24 May 2025 | 8:48 PM

Kurnool, May 24 (UNI) Vijayawada MP and Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) president Keshineni Shivanath has highlighted the commitment of the ACA to construct a sports ground in every constituency.

see more..

Osaka calls 5am doping test in Paris a 'scary wakeup call'

24 May 2025 | 8:35 PM

Paris, May 24 (UNI) Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has opened up about a “scary” early morning experience in Paris, where she was subjected to a surprise anti-doping test ahead of the French Open.

see more..