(foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Botafogo coach Renato Paiva says he would welcome Cristiano Ronaldo to the squad, as speculation mounts over the striker’s next move ahead of the Club World Cup in the USA.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational appearance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup—and not with Al Nassr. The Portuguese icon is being linked with a surprise move to Brazil, and Botafogo’s head coach Renato Paiva says he’d happily open the door.
"I couldn't turn him down! We're talking about Cristiano Ronaldo," Paiva told Brazilian media. "Despite his age, he can still score goals like a bet in the right team."
Botafogo, who qualified for the Club World Cup and are set to face Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Seattle Sounders in a tough group, are one of several clubs reportedly interested in Ronaldo. The 40-year-old superstar has yet to sign a contract extension with Al Nassr, and his current deal expires on June 30—midway through the tournament which runs from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.
While Botafogo's path to the knockout stages is daunting, adding a global superstar like Ronaldo would not only boost their chances but also attract massive international attention. Fans in Brazil are also calling for Palmeiras—who will face Inter Miami in the group stage—to make a move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, raising hopes of a historic Messi vs. Ronaldo reunion on American soil.
FIFA, too, is understood to be in favor of Ronaldo’s participation, especially given Lionel Messi’s confirmed involvement with Inter Miami. Such a matchup would reignite one of the greatest rivalries in football and deliver a huge boost to the tournament’s global appeal.