Fifa president Gianni Infantino has stirred speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo's potential participation in the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. Despite Ronaldo's current club, Al-Nassr, failing to qualify for the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States, Infantino suggested that the 40-year-old Portuguese forward could still make an appearance.

During an interview, Infantino alluded to discussions with clubs interested in hiring Ronaldo specifically for the Club World Cup. Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr, which he joined in 2022 after departing Manchester United, is set to expire on June 30. The Club World Cup is introducing an additional transfer window from June 1-10 to facilitate potential deals for the tournament.

Rumors have emerged, with a Brazilian club reportedly making an offer to Ronaldo. Botafogo, one of the Brazilian teams that have qualified, has been mentioned as a possibility. Their coach, Renato Paiva, responded to questions about Ronaldo's potential arrival with amusement, acknowledging that any coach would welcome a star of Ronaldo's caliber, even at his age, citing his continued goal-scoring ability.

Botafogo is owned by American businessman John Textor, who also holds a majority stake in Crystal Palace. Ronaldo's illustrious career includes four Champions League titles during his nine seasons with Real Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018. Real Madrid and Juventus are among the European clubs that have qualified for the Club World Cup, along with Premier League teams Chelsea and Manchester City.

The article also touched upon the long-standing rivalry between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who dominated the Ballon d'Or awards from 2008 to 2017. Messi's Inter Miami is set to participate in the tournament and is grouped with Al Ahly, Porto, and Palmeiras.