Al-Hilal CEO, Esteve Caldaza, has poured cold water on speculation linking the Saudi Pro League champions with a blockbuster move for Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The reigning Saudi champions are gearing up for the tournament's inaugural expanded edition, where they will face Real Madrid, FC Salzburg, and Pachuca in Group H. The competition promises to bring together football's elite in a global showcase set to take place in the summer of 2025.

Speaking to GiveMeSport (via Fabrizio Romano), Caldaza dismissed the idea of Ronaldo joining Al-Hilal, describing it as far-fetched.
“That sounds like science fiction. CR7 is not our player, so it’s difficult to comment on that,” he stated. “He’s not a free agent now, and it’s not nice to talk about that.”

While the idea of a Ronaldo-Messi showdown has excited fans globally, Caldaza’s remarks suggest that such a dream matchup may remain in the realm of fantasy—at least for now.

Messi Set to Shine in the USA

Lionel Messi, who recently led Inter Miami to glory in the Leagues Cup, is already confirmed for the tournament. His participation adds a star-studded dimension to the competition, particularly with his storied rivalry with Ronaldo still fresh in the minds of football enthusiasts.

The possibility of Messi lighting up the tournament has only intensified the buzz surrounding the FIFA Club World Cup, set to feature top clubs from all continents in a new and expanded format.

Opinion: A Ronaldo-Messi Reunion? The Stuff of Dreams

Football fans have long yearned for another chapter in the legendary rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi, and the FIFA Club World Cup seemed like the perfect stage. While Caldaza’s comments seem to shut down the possibility of Ronaldo joining Al-Hilal, the rumors alone highlight the excitement surrounding the competition.

For Al-Hilal, the focus remains on their group-stage battles against the likes of Real Madrid, a fixture that will test the Saudi side’s mettle against one of Europe’s finest. Regardless of Ronaldo’s absence, the FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a spectacle of global football talent and passion.

The anticipation for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues to build, with Lionel Messi set to lead Inter Miami and Al-Hilal preparing to represent Saudi Arabia. While the prospect of a Ronaldo-Messi reunion may remain a dream, football’s biggest stars are set to shine in what promises to be a groundbreaking tournament.

As the summer of 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the USA to witness history in the making.