• Cristiano Ronaldo has chosen to rest rather than participate in the FIFA Club World Cup.
• He renewed his contract with Al-Nassr, staying past his 42nd birthday.
• Ronaldo emphasized the importance of preparation for the upcoming World Cup season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated his decision to prioritize rest over any potential participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Following the renewal of his contract with Al-Nassr, the Portuguese star cited the need for good preparation for a long season ahead. "I had some offers to play in the [Club] World Cup but I think it didn’t make sense because I prefer to have a good rest," he asserted in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X, which focuses on his commitment to both club and country, according to channelnewsasia, reuters, and aljazeera.

The announcement of Ronaldo's contract renewal with Al-Nassr, which will see him stay with the club until past his 42nd birthday, has been seen as a significant commitment towards his ambitions with the team. He expressed, "My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr," indicating his desire for success with the Saudi Pro League side, according to indiatimes, channelnewsasia, and reuters.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, Ronaldo's focus is on maintaining fitness and readiness for both Al-Nassr and the national team. He stated, “I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team," reinforcing his priorities during this critical period in his career, according to aljazeera and indiatimes.

Ronaldo's choice to decline offers for the Club World Cup has generated mixed reactions among fans, particularly those hoping for a clash with Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, he has made it clear that his commitment to Al-Nassr and the preparation for his last World Cup take precedence over individual accolades or matchups, as endorsed by indiatimes and reuters.