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.
Cristiano Ronaldo speaks on his son’s future and football career after watching his training sessions.
He spoke about his 16-year-old son “He’s a good kid. Honest, a good kid. The others are tougher. The ones I have at home, the younger ones. This one is no problem. The others…”
“When I was his age, he was a bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I believe he will be bigger than me in size. The hunger is the most challenging aspect.”
Footballers João Pedro and Moisés Caicedo have shared their thoughts on the recent transfer of former Brighton player Danny Welbeck.
It can be noted that Welbeck recently completed a move to Stamford Bridge. Pedro shared “This will mark the third occasion we have played together, and I believe, just as he did for me previously, he will extend his support to everyone in the squad. Danny embodies that spirit; he is incredibly helpful and genuinely wishes the best for everyone around him and for the team.
“It is well-known that he is an exceptional player. I am eager to play alongside him once more, and I believe he will be a tremendous asset to our group.”
Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior has spoken about his contract and how things have been since discussions began.
He said “It’s gone very well, meeting the new coach and the new players and training very hard. Mourinho wants me to be as I’ve always been: happy, cheerful, and that I play my football.”
“We have to prepare physically so that during the season we have fewer injuries and we can count on everybody. Monday was a double session, Tuesday is one session. So let’s go. Today we did a bit of work in the gym and a short session to load our legs some more.”
Love Island USA Stars Turn Heads as Season 8 Cast Reunites
Peller’s Sweet Wedding Vows to Jarvis Leave Fans Emotional
Soso Soberekon Offers Peter Okoye ₦500 Million to Fight Paul in Boxing Match
-
Entertainment5 hours agoLove Island USA Stars Turn Heads as Season 8 Cast Reunites
-
Entertainment9 hours agoSpider-Man Movie Review: Fans React to Sadie Sink’s Role
-
Entertainment7 hours agoSoso Soberekon Offers Peter Okoye ₦500 Million to Fight Paul in Boxing Match
-
Entertainment7 hours ago2Baba Sparks Reactions Amid Reports of Marital Drama With Natasha
-
Entertainment6 hours agoPeller’s Sweet Wedding Vows to Jarvis Leave Fans Emotional