Spanish outlet Marca recently stirred speculation by reporting that Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca was considering a sensational move to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to begin next month in the United States.
However, those rumors now appear to be unfounded.
FIFA is allowing participating clubs added flexibility for the revamped tournament format, granting them two transfer windows this summer. These windows will permit clubs to sign up to six players who are not bound by long-term contracts.
Given that Ronaldo’s current deal with Al-Nassr expires this summer — and with the Saudi club not involved in the tournament — several teams involved in the competition have been rumored to show interest in the Portuguese superstar.
Marca had reported that Wydad saw Ronaldo as both a sporting asset and a social icon, hoping his presence could elevate their status as they prepare to face top global clubs.
Speculation intensified after the Casablanca-based club posted a short video on their official X (formerly Twitter) account featuring the Portuguese flag, further hinting at a possible move.
However, Reuters has since reported that Wydad are not in active discussions to sign Ronaldo. Sources close to the club dismissed the rumors, stating:
“It was just a friendly talk between Wydad’s president and an agent close to Ronaldo, without going beyond informal discussions.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is expected to finish the 2024–25 season without silverware at Al-Nassr, though he currently tops the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 24 goals.
Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain. Talks over a contract extension with Al-Nassr — which he joined in 2023 on a two-year deal — have reportedly stalled. Although a verbal agreement is in place to extend his contract through 2026, with earnings of €200 million (£169 million) for the next season, TEAMtalk reports that the extension is now in doubt.
The 40-year-old is said to have personally requested a pause in negotiations due to concerns about the club’s progress and direction.
Compounding the uncertainty, Al-Nassr is also at risk of missing out on qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite next season, further casting doubt on Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the Saudi club.
