Dreaming Ronaldo: Former Al Hilal Chief Drops Bombshell on Cristiano's Club World Cup Link

Background and Rumors

Abdulrahman bin Musaed, the former president of Al Hilal, disclosed that he once wished for Cristiano Ronaldo to wear the club crest during the Club World Cup staged in the United States. Ronaldo has been key for Al Nassr this season, leading the Saudi Pro League with 31 points from 10 wins and a single draw, undefeated to date. Media reports previously hinted at a temporary move to Al Hilal to bolster the squad for the tournament, but the transfer did not take place.

Statements and Implications

In televised remarks, Bin Musaed said: As an honorary member of Al Hilal, I believed Ronaldo should have been part of the World Cup squad, but I did not vigorously defend that view because the role of honorary members has faded. He added: Ronaldo does not fit Al Hilal long-term, but the team needed him for the World Cup. He continued: Had he played in the World Cup, his presence could have benefited the club for years, bringing a complete package of requirements that would elevate the club's operations. He also noted: I think outside the box; I was asked about this idea at the time and I supported it; there were discussions of Ronaldo's availability from FIFA to be with Al Hilal, in exchange for Messi with Inter Miami, which would have created huge global buzz. Ronaldo himself has admitted receiving offers to participate in the Club World Cup but declined, choosing to focus on preparations for the new season with Al Nassr. He emphasized Ronaldo is valuable to Al Nassr both on and off the pitch, and numbers back that up.

He concluded: Ronaldo would be useful for the team in the short term for the World Cup, and it would have raised the club's global profile.

Punchline time: If rumors were a transfer fee, Ronaldo would be playing for the bank by now.
Punchline time 2: In the transfer window of headlines, Ronaldo's name always lands the headshot headline—sniper level, even if the deal never lands.