Real Madrid fans call for Cristiano Ronaldo return with Club World Cup deal lined up

Robin Bairner

• 30 May 2025 07:11 BST
• 4 min read

News

Cristiano Ronaldo could be on his way back to Real Madrid soon if a group of fans get their way, with the superstar set to be available to play in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

Supporters have been holding vigils outside Real Madrid’s training ground in an attempt to persuade the club to bring back the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who left in a €117 million move to Juventus in 2018.

Ronaldo, who also achieved legendary status at Manchester United and Juventus, is set to be a free agent from 30 June, when his Al-Nassr contract expires.

Current ETV

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

€7.7M

ETV Range

€6.5M - €8.8M

View full profile

The Saudi Pro League side are pushing to re-sign the Portugal international star, yet reports indicate that he has rejected a two-year offer worth nearly €400 million and instead is seeking a new adventure.

Real Madrid fans are hopeful that CR7 will be returning to the Bernabeu, having put a message outside the club’s training centre that states: “Florentino, bring back Cristiano!”

This has fuelled rumours of an unlikely comeback for the 40-year-old, who could hook up with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in the Los Merengues’ attack.

Florentino Perez, the Real Madrid president whom the message was directed towards, has not commented on the matter.

Will Ronaldo play in the FIFA Club World Cup?

Ronaldo is expected to play in the Club World Cup, The Telegraph reports, though which club he turns out with is less clear.

There have been varying reports as to whether he could sign for Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal on a short-term basis. Some have claimed there is no chance of this happening yet others state that due to Ronaldo’s relationship and agreement with the Saudi government, he may be compelled to turn out for the side.

He has also been linked with Brazilian side Botafogo, who have distanced themselves from a potential deal, while Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Monterrey of Mexico have also been linked with a spectacular move for Ronaldo.

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