Portugal captain and global football icon 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.
According to Hobnob News, Gallardo revealed that he reached out to Ronaldo earlier this year, hoping to bring the Al-Nassr forward on board for the prestigious tournament. However, Ronaldo declined the invitation, citing his commitment to preparing for the upcoming season.
Gallardo, who briefly coached Ronaldo during the 2023 friendly between Riyadh All-Stars and Paris Saint-Germain in Saudi Arabia, shared details of the interaction during an interview with ESPN ahead of River Plate’s match against Monterrey this weekend.
“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 maintained a relationship,” Gallardo said.
The River Plate boss recounted how, around March, he initiated informal contact through a mutual acquaintance:
“I said to him: ‘There’s a Club World Cup and a player like you, who has marked an era… Do you intend to play?’ He not only felt recognized, but he thought about it and was evaluating it. Then he told us that he had to prepare for the following season.”
While the approach may have sparked excitement among fans, Ronaldo’s decision to focus on his preparations with Al-Nassr indicates his continued dedication to club commitments in Saudi Arabia.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is expected to draw global attention, featuring top teams and players in an expanded format. Gallardo’s attempt to bring Ronaldo into the fold underscores the high stakes and prestige of the tournament.
Despite the rejection, Gallardo expressed admiration for Ronaldo’s professionalism and left the door open for future collaborations.
