FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Why Al Nassr Won’t Compete
The FIFA Club World Cup kicks off on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This thrilling tournament will feature 32 teams. However, Al Nassr, the renowned Saudi Pro League club with Cristiano Ronaldo, won’t be participating.
Despite their recent success, including winning the AFC Champions League in 2023/24, Al Nassr won’t be playing in the Club World Cup. Let’s explore why.
How Teams Qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup
To qualify for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, teams are ranked based on their performance over four years. FIFA considers how well clubs do in their competitions, such as the AFC Champions League for Asian teams. Points are awarded for achievements, and consistent success over multiple seasons is crucial.
Why Al Nassr Didn’t Qualify
Al Nassr didn’t accumulate enough points in this ranking. Even though they won the AFC Champions League in 2023/24, their overall performance over four years wasn’t strong enough. Other Asian clubs performed better and secured the spots instead.
Al Nassr’s Performance in the Saudi Pro League
Al Nassr is a strong team in the Saudi Pro League, but their results haven’t always been sufficient for continental dominance. Here’s how they finished in the league over the last four seasons:
- 2020/21: Second place
- 2021/22: Second place
- 2022/23: Fifth place
- 2023/24: Second place
Ronaldo’s Impact on Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023. This was a significant event. The club gained more global recognition. With Ronaldo, Al Nassr won the 2023/24 AFC Champions League. His outstanding performances, including crucial goals, helped the team succeed.
Ronaldo’s Mysterious Post About Leaving Al Nassr
After the FIFA Club World Cup participants were announced, Ronaldo shared a cryptic message on social media. On X, he wrote, “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.” This led to speculation that he might be leaving Al Nassr.
