FIFA president Infantino hints at possible Cristiano Ronaldo participation in Club World Cup

The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, is already generating major anticipation. With soccer’s top clubs and players vying to compete on the global stage, speculation is mounting over who will take part. One name drawing particular attention is Cristiano Ronaldo—and FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently hinted at the possibility of his involvement.

The topic came up during a live stream hosted by popular American internet personality IShowSpeed, who featured Infantino as a guest. When the conversation shifted to the Club World Cup, the FIFA president appeared to leave the door open for a Ronaldo appearance in the tournament.

“And Ronaldo might play for one of the teams at the Club World Cup,” Infantino said. Speed, taken aback, responded with surprise, “Really?” and quickly followed up with, “Wait, so Ronaldo might be in the Club World Cup?”

Infantino doubled down on his remarks. “Yeah, Cristiano Ronaldo might play at a Club World Cup. These are discussions with some clubs,” he said. “So if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for a Club World Cup… who knows? There’s still some time. It would be fun.”

Gianni Infantino, President, FIFA makes remarks during the second day of the FII PRIORITY Summit.

Infantino dreams of Messi and Ronaldo together

As the conversation progressed, the topic naturally turned to the long-standing debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—two of the sport’s greatest icons. But rather than choose between them, Infantino expressed a wish shared by many fans: seeing both players on the same team.

see also

Cristiano Ronaldo headlines Portugal’s squad for 2025 UEFA Nations League finals

When Speed asked him to pick between the two, Infantino paused before offering a heartfelt answer. “Listen, two great players, two incredible players. If you’re Portuguese, you go for Ronaldo; if you’re Argentine, you go for Messi. But if you’re a soccer fan, you want to see both—because you love the game.”

“I’d love to see both of them playing together,” he continued. “Imagine the two of them on the same team. That would be something special.” Speed then joked that he had a feeling it might happen one day, to which Infantino laughed and replied, “In the FIFA team, maybe.”

What would Ronaldo bring to the Club World Cup?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at the Club World Cup would undoubtedly elevate the competition to another level. At 39, he remains one of the most recognizable and prolific figures in global soccer. His participation would not only attract massive viewership but could potentially reignite his legendary rivalry with Messi.

Fans around the world continue to dream of witnessing another chapter in the Messi-Ronaldo saga, especially on American soil. With top soccer clubs from every continent set to battle for international supremacy, the addition of a player like Ronaldo would add historic significance to an already prestigious event.