The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is set to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together 32 clubs for the first time in a World Cup-style format. Yet, despite its global ambition and star-studded cast, one absence stands out above all: Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the tournament this summer in the United States.

Why Won’t Cristiano Ronaldo Be at the Tournament?

Even though Al-Nassr won the AFC Champions League in the 2023/24 season, the qualification system for this edition was based on continental performance over the last four years. Unfortunately, Al-Nassr didn’t accumulate enough ranking points to make the cut.

As a result, Cristiano, the all-time leading international goalscorer and one of football’s greatest icons, will miss this historic edition and watch the tournament from home.

What Does His Absence Mean for the Club World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a footballer—he’s a global brand. His presence instantly boosts viewership, media coverage, and fan engagement across the world. His absence represents a loss in several areas:

• Global interest , especially in key regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia
• Commercial and marketing appeal , including ticket sales, shirt revenue, and digital views
• Narrative drama , as potential clashes with players like Lionel Messi would have created massive hype

Has Cristiano Played This Tournament Before?

Absolutely. Cristiano Ronaldo is a four-time Club World Cup winner:

• 2008 with Manchester United
• 2014, 2016, 2017 with Real Madrid

He scored 7 goals in the competition, making him one of the top scorers and most influential players in the tournament’s history.

What Does This Mean for His Legacy?

While his legacy remains untouchable, this was a missed opportunity for him to add one final chapter to his legendary career. With the tournament gaining more global spotlight than ever, it would’ve been a symbolic stage for Cristiano to shine once again at the highest level.