Al-Hilal CEO reveals why they didn't sign Cristiano Ronaldo for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Ronaldo was linked with a move to Al-Nassr’s rival.

A loan transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo prior to the FIFA Club World Cup could have been “completely unusual,” according to the chief executive of Al-Hilal, a Saudi Pro League team, as he features for their “biggest opponent”, Al-Nassr. Ronaldo’s deal with Al-Nassr expires at the end of June.

FIFA opened an extra transfer window earlier this month to aid the clubs participating in the redesigned and extended event. Al-Hilal were linked to a potential deal for the 40-year-old Portugal forward during this period. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of the nation owns both of the competing Riyadh clubs.

However, Esteve Calzada, CEO at Al-Hilal, told BBC Sport when asked if they were close to making a move for the forward:

“We normally don’t comment on players’ situations, particularly because our name is always put out there, when a player or an agent wants to negotiate a better deal with his club, or is trying to move out.”

“It’s been a very weird transfer window, it’s a very short period of time.”

“You don’t want to take a decision thinking about this tournament that then you have to carry on with for the next two or three years.”

“As much as I respect Ronaldo as a huge player, as we all recognise he is, it’s certainly completely counter-intuitive that you bring the biggest player of your biggest opponent to play with you.”

“Even more when it’s only for three to four weeks.”

“We’ve been trying to see if we can reinforce the team. But some players were with a mindset of ‘holidays already’, some players were sometimes just asking for too much money, and we’re aware that our team is extremely competitive.”

“We’ll go into the traditional transfer window after the tournament still with the biggest ambitions to see if we can reinforce the team even more.”

Al-Hilal continue their pursuit of Osimhen and Darwin Nunez

Prior to the Club World Cup, Al-Hilal made no significant acquisitions, but they did name Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach.

Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, stated earlier this month that he turned down a sizable offer from Al-Hilal because he remains eager to play “at the highest possible level.”

According to reports, Al-Hilal have also contemplated moves for Darwin Nunez of Liverpool and Victor Osimhen of Napoli in recent months.

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