Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact worldwide: A Brazilian club tried to sign him for the Club World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s spell at Al-Nassr has taken a sour turn. Knocked out of the AFC Champions League and stuck in fourth place at home, the Saudi club has little to celebrate. Frustration boiled over last Friday when the 40-year-old striker left the stadium immediately after a 1-1 draw with Al Taawoun, skipping the locker room altogether.

These are not good days for Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. The Saudi club was recently eliminated from the AFC Champions League and failed to qualify for next season’s edition. Domestically, they sit fourth in the league table. Following a 1–1 draw against Al Taawoun last Friday, the 40-year-old Portuguese star stormed out of the stadium without even entering the locker room, sparking major controversy. While CR7’s arrival undeniably transformed Saudi football, his team has fallen short of its competitive goals. Looking ahead, next season doesn’t look promising — and a move may be on the horizon.

Although Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr runs through June 30, 2025, he could leave earlier. According to Spanish outlet Marca, a major Brazilian club is reportedly preparing a bid to sign him for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. While Marca didn’t name the club, CNN Brasil claims it’s none other than Botafogo, the reigning Copa Libertadores champion.

With just two games remaining in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Nassr is out of the title race and has no path to the next AFC Champions League. This means May 26 will mark Ronaldo’s final game of the season. Botafogo, owned by American businessman John Textor, is reportedly willing to offer a massive sum to land the Portuguese icon.

This potential transfer isn’t just about performance on the field — it’s also about marketing. Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence at the Club World Cup would be monumental, especially with Lionel Messi also set to participate with Inter Miami. Botafogo has been drawn into Group B alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, and Seattle Sounders.

If the move happens, Botafogo would become the sixth club in Ronaldo’s legendary career. He began at Sporting Lisbon, made his name at Manchester United, and became a global icon at Real Madrid. After a stint with Juventus and a second spell at United, he joined Al-Nassr in 2023.

Botafogo’s Club World Cup schedule:

• Seattle Sounders vs. Botafogo – June 15, Lumen Field, Seattle
• Botafogo vs. Paris Saint-Germain – June 19, Rose Bowl, Los Angeles
• Botafogo vs. Atlético Madrid – June 23, Rose Bowl, Los Angeles