Cristiano Ronaldo’s name has once again done the rounds in the transfer rumor mill. This time, the chatter came ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
With FIFA allowing a special transfer window just for the tournament, fans started dreaming — or fearing — about some big names making surprise switches.
Among the wildest links? A possible short-term move to Al-Hilal for Ronaldo, currently at Al-Nassr. It would’ve been football’s version of switching shirts with your biggest rival — and not just after full-time.
But Al-Hilal’s chief executive, Esteve Calzada, has now cleared the air. In short, it was never going to happen.
“As much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all recognize he is, it's certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you,” Calzada told BBC Sport.
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Cristiano Ronaldo to Al-Hilal: Why the deal was never on?
Calzada explained that the idea of bringing in a 40-year-old from their arch-rivals didn’t fit the club’s plans — even if the tournament is a big one. It wasn’t just about Ronaldo’s age or price tag. The move just didn’t make sense from any angle.
“Even more when it's only for three to four weeks,” he added.
The Al-Hilal chief also pointed out how transfer talk often uses big clubs as leverage.
“Our name is always put out there when a player or agent wants to negotiate a better deal with his club.”
While Ronaldo fans hoped for a blockbuster cameo in blue, he is now expected to stay with Al-Nassr — likely extending his deal as he enjoys time off with his family.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are looking at more traditional transfer targets after the tournament, with Calzada confirming their ambition remains strong — just not strong enough to sign their fiercest rival’s icon.
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