Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr not featuring in FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Here’s all you need to know

At 40 Cristiano Ronaldo is still on fire with Al Nassr, in the Saudi Pro League top goalscorer Cristiano. But Al-Hilal have snuck it for themselves and his team will skip the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious career, marked by numerous major trophies, solidifies his place among football’s legends. His sustained success and dedication to excellence are evident in his continued high performance at Al Nassr, showcasing his exceptional skill and remarkable longevity.

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being 40, continues to excel in his football career. His impressive performance with Al Nassr in the 2024-25 season, leading the Saudi Pro League in goals, demonstrates his sustained high level of play.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will not participate in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, despite the tournament featuring prominent clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea. This means Ronaldo will miss the opportunity to compete for this newly expanded title.

Despite the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup expanding to 32 teams, Al Nassr will not participate. Al-Hilal, as last season’s Saudi Pro League champions, secured the sole qualifying spot for a Saudi club.

FIFA’s rigorous qualification standards prioritized teams winning their national leagues or continental championships. Al Nassr’s lack of success in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League significantly reduced their chances of qualifying.

Al-Hilal, boasting a star-studded roster including Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Neves, and managed by Jorge Jesus, dominated the 2023-24 season, winning the title by a significant 14-point margin and remaining undefeated throughout the campaign. Al Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, secured second place.

Al Nassr’s prospects of qualifying for the 2029 Club World Cup appear challenging. Their current season’s performance is disappointing, lagging significantly behind Al-Ittihad, despite a strong attacking lineup. Substantial improvements are necessary for the team to compete at the international level in the future.