Cristiano Ronaldo Won’t Join Al-Hilal – Club Calls Move ‘Counter-Intuitive’
Al-Hilal CEO Explains Decision to Reject Cristiano Ronaldo Loan Ahead of Club World Cup
Al-Hilal’s CEO, Esteve Calzada, has clarified the club’s decision to decline a loan move for Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite the potential marketing benefits, Calzada emphasized that bringing in the 40-year-old forward, especially given his recent tenure at Al-Nassr, would have been “completely counter-intuitive.” He noted that such a move could disrupt team dynamics and was not aligned with the club’s long-term strategic goals.
Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful football clubs, has been actively seeking to strengthen its squad. However, negotiations for high-profile players like Bruno Fernandes, Victor Osimhen, and Darwin Núñez have faltered due to excessive financial demands and player fatigue following intense seasons. Calzada mentioned that while the club is targeting top-tier talent, the financial terms must be reasonable and sustainable.
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Looking ahead, Al-Hilal remains focused on reinforcing its team in the upcoming traditional transfer window. With the appointment of Simone Inzaghi as head coach, the club aims to build a competitive squad capable of achieving success in domestic and international competitions. Calzada expressed confidence in the current squad’s abilities, stating that the club is “extremely competitive” and will continue to pursue strategic reinforcements that align with its objectives.
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As Al-Hilal prepares for its Club World Cup campaign, the club’s leadership is committed to making decisions that balance immediate performance needs with long-term sustainability, ensuring the continued growth and success of the team.
