As anticipation builds for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, featuring 32 teams from across the globe, one unlikely but viral question has caught fire on social media: Could Cristiano Ronaldo play the tournament with River Plate? The inquiry reached head coach Marcelo Gallardo, and his answer didn't go unnoticed.

Gallardo’s Reaction to the Ronaldo Question

Following River Plate's 1-1 draw against Universitario de Deportes in the Copa Libertadores group stage, Gallardo was asked during a press conference whether the club would consider signing Cristiano Ronaldo solely for the Club World Cup.

The Argentine manager chuckled before replying:

"I won’t name names," said Gallardo, neither confirming nor denying the possibility.

He later added a more grounded response regarding the club's strategy:

"It’s not in my plans to bring in players just for the Club World Cup and then have them leave right after."

Can River Add Players Specifically for the Club World Cup?

Yes. According to FIFA regulations, all qualified teams will be allowed to sign new players during a special transfer window from June 1 to June 10, even if those players were not registered in previous squad lists. This has sparked rumors of short-term superstar signings—and Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the names floating around.

Cristiano’s Contract and Future

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently set to finish his contract with Al-Nassr on June 30, 2025. While his next destination remains unknown, rumors suggest clubs in Brazil, Mexico, and MLS could be interested in a short-term move, especially with the Club World Cup offering a global showcase.

For now, there's no confirmed contact between Cristiano Ronaldo and River Plate, but in football, doors are rarely ever closed for good.

When Will River Play the Club World Cup?

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will run from June 15 to July 13 across several cities in the United States. River Plate qualified as one of CONMEBOL’s representatives after winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores. All signs point to the Argentine side competing with its current roster—at least for now.