Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that playing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup is more important to him than competing in the ongoing Club World Cup.
The 40-year-old goal machine, who recently signed a two-year contract extension with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, said he turned down offers to play in the FIFA Club World Cup to rest and prepare adequately for the long 2025/26 season, one that culminates with the World Cup in North America.
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“I had some offers to play in the Club World Cup, but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation because this season will be very long, it’s the season of the World Cup,” Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al Nassr on Instagram. “So I want to be ready not only for Al Nassr but also for the national team.”
Ronaldo recently helped Portugal clinch the UEFA Nations League title after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain and is now focused on national team success. His decision comes amid speculation he could leave Al Nassr temporarily to feature in the Club World Cup currently being held in the United States.
Ronaldo and his long-time rival Lionel Messi could both become the first players to appear in six FIFA World Cups, with the 2026 tournament set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Having become the first male player to score in five different World Cups in Qatar 2022, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is targeting yet another record-breaking chapter in his storied international career.
