Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-standing ambition to lift the FIFA Club World Cup title again is facing serious uncertainty, casting doubt on whether the legendary forward will ever achieve this milestone again in his career. Despite a decorated history that includes league titles, Champions League triumphs, and numerous personal accolades, the Club World Cup remains a competition he has always taken seriously — a global stage that crowns the best football club in the world.
Ronaldo has won the Club World Cup multiple times during his spells at Manchester United and Real Madrid. However, since joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, the path to another appearance in this prestigious tournament has become increasingly complicated. Al Nassr failed to qualify for the 2025 edition of the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup set to be hosted in the United States, largely due to their inability to win the AFC Champions League or accumulate enough ranking points under the new qualification format.
This has thrown Ronaldo’s hopes into limbo. At 40 years old by the time the tournament kicks off in 2025, the opportunity to participate in — let alone win — the competition again seems to be slipping away. The format for the 2025 edition requires clubs to either win their respective continental competitions or maintain a top spot in the ranking system over a four-year period. Unfortunately, Al Nassr has fallen short on both fronts, despite having Ronaldo’s star power in the squad.
For Ronaldo, whose career has been defined by record-breaking feats and chasing greatness on every possible stage, this development is a tough blow. His presence in Saudi Arabia has already raised the profile of football in the region and attracted other global stars, but on a competitive level, it’s yet to deliver the top-tier success he may have envisioned.
As things stand, Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of adding another Club World Cup to his trophy cabinet hangs in the balance. While his legacy is firmly secured in the history of the game, this final piece of silverware may prove to be out of reach — not due to lack of ambition or ability, but simply the constraints of timing, format, and fate.
