Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down an offer from River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo to join the Argentine club for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Gallardo revealed that he approached the Al-Nassr forward earlier this year about the possibility of representing River Plate at the prestigious tournament. However, Ronaldo declined the opportunity, choosing instead to focus on preparations for the upcoming season.
The two share a connection from 2023, when Gallardo briefly coached Ronaldo during a Riyadh All-Stars friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Saudi Arabia.
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Speaking to ESPN ahead of River Plate’s clash with Monterrey, Gallardo said (via Flashscore):
“I was lucky enough to coach him in a match I was invited to in Saudi Arabia. I met him not only as a great professional but also as an excellent person, and we stayed in touch.”
“Around March, we had informal contact through a mutual friend. I said to him: ‘There’s a Club World Cup coming up, and a player like you, who has defined an era—do you intend to play?’”
“He appreciated the recognition and seriously considered it. But eventually, he told us he needed to focus on getting ready for the new season.”
Ronaldo’s decision means fans won’t see the legendary forward at the 2025 Club World Cup, but his commitment to club duties with Al-Nassr remains unwavering.
