Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo Turns Down Club World Cup Offer to Focus on Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down an offer from River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo to join the Argentine side for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Gallardo revealed that he personally reached out to Ronaldo through a mutual friend to explore the possibility of having the Portuguese star feature for River Plate in the tournament.
The two have a bit of history—Gallardo previously managed Ronaldo during a 2023 friendly in Saudi Arabia when he coached a Riyadh All-Stars team in a match against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking ahead of River Plate’s clash with Monterrey, Gallardo told ESPN that their conversation earlier this year was casual but meaningful.
“In March, we spoke informally,” he said. “I asked if he would be interested in playing the Club World Cup. A player like him, who defined an era—it made sense to ask.” Gallardo added that Ronaldo appreciated the gesture and gave it serious thought but ultimately turned it down. The reason? He wanted to focus fully on getting ready for the new season with Al-Nassr.
Despite the rejection, Gallardo praised Ronaldo’s professionalism and character, saying they’ve kept a respectful relationship since their brief time working together. While fans won’t get to see Ronaldo in a River Plate shirt, the story shows the kind of admiration he still commands globally—even from clubs outside Europe.
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