Al Hilal CEO Shuts Down Cristiano Ronaldo Rumors Ahead of Club World Cup

Jun, 27 2025

Al Hilal Deny Ronaldo Transfer Amid Club World Cup Hype

Rumors have been swirling about Cristiano Ronaldo possibly joining Al Hilal, but CEO Esteve Calzada isn’t having it. He called the idea 'unusual' and pointed out that Al Nassr and Al Hilal are fierce rivals—making any move for Ronaldo, the captain of Al Nassr, pretty much out of the question. The buzz came as FIFA’s extra transfer window opened before the Club World Cup, fueling talk of a sensational short-term loan or even a permanent switch to boost Al Hilal’s squad. Still, Calzada compared this rivalry to the kind you see between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Signing a hero from the arch-enemy just doesn’t make sense in this footballing culture.

Speculation grew even as Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr neared its 2025 end date. Instead of entertaining proposals, Ronaldo chose loyalty and confirmed he’d stay with Al Nassr, and even renewed his contract amid the swirling interest. Al Hilal, reportedly, looked at options like a temporary loan to lure the Portuguese star for their Club World Cup ambitions. But sources say Ronaldo gave a flat no, shutting the discussion before it got off the ground.

Rivalry Runs Deep and Plans Move On

Calzada didn’t sugarcoat why these rumors take off. He said Al Hilal’s reputation as Saudi Arabia’s biggest club—much like Manchester City was in the early days of their wealth—means they’re always linked to the sport’s big names, whether there’s truth to the story or not. He’s tired of the club being considered the 'go-to' for every superstar, especially when the headline is more fantasy than fact. For now, Calzada says, silence is often the best answer; commenting on every wild rumor just feeds the machine and spreads confusion.

Negotiating for Ronaldo, Calzada admitted, isn’t easy. He called some of the counteroffers 'illogical' and suggested that, even if both sides were interested, there would be plenty of headaches getting a deal done. Instead of going in circles, Al Hilal have shifted focus elsewhere. Their eyes are reportedly on Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior, and perhaps others, to power up for the Club World Cup after Ronaldo shut the door on a move. While the transfer rumor mill is as active as ever, this time at least, Ronaldo’s name can drop off the Al Hilal wish list. The rivalry—and the rumors—will just have to wait for the next twist.