A coach of a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup team addressed the rumors linking Cristiano Ronaldo to the club, stating that he “can’t say no” to the Al Nassr star.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr has come into question, with contract extension talks reportedly stalled and his current deal set to expire at the end of June. Amid speculation, one coach whose team is set to participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup addressed the possibility of signing the Portuguese star—saying he “can’t say no” to a player of Ronaldo’s caliber.
Earlier reports from Spanish outlet Marca claimed that a Brazilian club was preparing a bid to sign Ronaldo specifically for the Club World Cup. With four Brazilian clubs qualified for the tournament—Flamengo, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and Botafogo—rumors quickly spread.
However, CNN Brasil later identified Botafogo as the team reportedly making the offer. Botafogo manager Renato Paiva was asked about the speculation during a press conference on Sunday and responded with a candid—if cautious—remark:
“Christmas is only in December … But if he came, you can’t say no to a star like that. I don’t know anything. I’m just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good.”
When pressed further, Paiva deflected, referencing the club’s owner instead. “This question needs to be asked in another language,” he joked, pointing toward U.S. businessman John Textor as the person responsible for such decisions.
Textor, who also owns Olympique Lyonnais and holds stakes in Crystal Palace FC, expanded his soccer empire to South America by acquiring Botafogo. According to Transfermarkt, the club has spent nearly €100 million on signings—investment that paid off with last year’s Copa Libertadores triumph. With Ronaldo, Botafogo could emerge as a dark horse in the upcoming Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo growing frustrated at Al Nassr?
Ronaldo’s final stretch at Al Nassr hasn’t gone smoothly. First came the AFC Champions League elimination to Kawasaki Frontale, followed by a 3–2 loss to Al Ittihad that mathematically ruled the club out of the Saudi Pro League title race. Tensions have risen, and Ronaldo has missed the team’s last two games with what has been described as a “fitness issue.”
The lack of silverware has become a frustrating theme in Ronaldo’s stint with Al Nassr. Now, with the Club World Cup slipping out of reach and contract talks stalled, speculation about his next move is only intensifying. With just under two months remaining on his current deal, all eyes are on what could be next for one of the sport’s most iconic figures.
