Monterrey lead race for Ronaldo as Club World Cup move nears | OneFootball

Cristiano Ronaldo is again at the centre of transfer speculation, with his future at Al Nassr coming into sharper focus ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Two clubs stand out in the latest reports: Monterrey of Liga MX and Botafogo of Brazil’s Serie A, both exploring the possibility of signing the forward on a short-term deal for the tournament in the United States.

Monterrey appears to be leading the conversation. The Mexican club has reportedly offered Ronaldo a short-term contract, covering just the Club World Cup period—an arrangement that would run for roughly one month, aligning with the tournament dates. Reports from Spain and Mexico suggest that Monterrey sees Ronaldo as a means to bolster both its global profile and attacking options, especially after what many consider a disappointing domestic campaign.

One factor in Monterrey’s favour is the presence of Sergio Ramos, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate. Ramos is understood to be pushing for a reunion, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly stated Ronaldo is eligible to participate in the tournament. With FIFA allowing clubs to register up to six additional players specifically for the event, Monterrey’s interest appears well-timed.

Financially, Monterrey’s proposed salary is believed to be lower than Ronaldo’s current wages at Al Nassr, though it does include performance-related bonuses. Given that Ronaldo’s contract in Saudi Arabia expires on June 30, 2025, no transfer fee would be required, simplifying negotiations and making a short-term move more feasible for Monterrey.

Ronaldo’s form remains strong. He has scored 35 goals in 41 appearances for Al Nassr during the 2024/25 campaign, leading the Saudi Pro League with 25 of those goals. The Portuguese forward is reportedly motivated by the idea of one last high-profile tournament, especially with Monterrey set to face the likes of Inter Milan at the Club World Cup. Monterrey’s management sees this as an opportunity to raise the club’s profile in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup and to execute a high-impact marketing move alongside the addition of Ramos.

Fan reactions in Mexico have ranged from excitement to skepticism, mainly around the financial sustainability of signing such a renowned player, even on a short-term basis. Al Nassr supporters, meanwhile, seem resigned to his exit, particularly after he posted a cryptic message suggesting his chapter with the Saudi club was coming to a close.

However, there are challenges. At 40, Ronaldo’s age brings questions about his physical durability, though he continues to maintain a high level of conditioning. Competition from other clubs remains, with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Botafogo in Brazil still linked, though Monterrey is seen as the frontrunner with a 34% likelihood according to Transfermarkt estimates.

Interest from Botafogo has reportedly cooled. The club’s ownership, particularly John Textor, is said to be focussed on financial commitments elsewhere, notably at Lyon, and less willing to bankroll the type of salary Ronaldo could command, even for a marquee signing. While Botafogo’s coach Renato Paiva has acknowledged the potential impact of a player like Ronaldo, he has indicated that the final decision rests with ownership.

Botafogo’s wage structure sits well below what Ronaldo currently earns, and the club’s youth-centric model doesn’t necessarily align with signing a veteran forward, even for a short-term boost during their Copa Libertadores push. While there is some enthusiasm among supporters, concerns about financial caution temper the overall reaction. Botafogo’s chances of landing Ronaldo have been rated at 30%.

Both clubs view Ronaldo as a solution for instant global exposure and as a potential difference-maker for the Club World Cup. His market value stands at €12 million, which is within reach for short-term negotiations, but wage demands remain a formidable hurdle for most interested clubs. Other names such as Al Hilal and Wydad Casablanca have surfaced as possible destinations, but the consensus is that Monterrey holds the advantage at this stage.

With the FIFA Club World Cup registration window opening soon, a decision is expected in early June.