Al Hilal CEO Rules Out Ronaldo Loan Ahead Club World Cup

Al Hilal's CEO, Esteve Calzada, has stated that signing Cristiano Ronaldo on loan from their Saudi Pro League rivals Al Nassr for the FIFA Club World Cup would have been 'completely counter-intuitive,' despite both clubs being owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Although FIFA introduced an exceptional transfer window for the tournament, Calzada explained that bringing the biggest player from their biggest opponent for a short-term loan of three to four weeks did not align with the club's long-term strategy. Ronaldo, whose contract with Al Nassr is expiring at the end of June 2025, chose not to participate in the tournament, focusing instead on other commitments, including Portugal's Nations League win. Al Hilal, managed by newly appointed Simone Inzaghi, did not make major signings before the tournament, with Calzada noting some players' high financial demands and holiday mindsets as challenges. The club remains ambitious in strengthening their squad in the traditional transfer window after the Club World Cup, having also been linked with players like Bruno Fernandes, Victor Osimhen, and Darwin Nunez. Al Hilal will face strong opponents including Real Madrid in the tournament's group stage.