Saudi Arabia's biggest club Al Hilal reject Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer proposal

According to French journalist Sacha Tavolieri via RMC Sport, Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages US$930 billion in assets and owns four of Saudi Arabia's top clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, offered Al Hilal the opportunity to sign Ronaldo.

PIF wants to have the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar for Al Hilal at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the U.S. on June 15. Al Hilal are the country's sole representative at the tournament, and Ronaldo's presence was seen as a potential audience booster.

However, Al Hilal's board rejected the offer. Club executives reportedly prefer a younger striker, such as 26-year-old Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.

Previously, prominent Arab journalist Walid Al-Faraj reported that Al Hilal had set strict conditions for signing Ronaldo. These included the striker not being granted the captain's armband automatically and having to accept a rotational role rather than a guaranteed starting position, which Ronaldo has not accepted.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that a Brazilian club, likely Palmeiras, are serious in signing Ronaldo.

Brazil will be heavily represented at the 2025 Club World Cup, with four teams: Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo. With increased financial backing in Brazilian football, some clubs, like Santos, are reportedly capable of paying a huge sum annually to stars like Neymar. This financial shift could open the door for Ronaldo to consider a move to Brazil.

Ronaldo has not trained with Al Nassr recently amid reports that he is unhappy with the club's coaching staff and wants major squad changes. He has missed two consecutive matches, with coach Stefano Pioli citing injury as the reason. Al Nassr already fail to qualify for next season's AFC Champions League (ACL), as they are no longer able to finish in the top two of the Saudi Pro League. Only three Saudi clubs will qualify, with two based on league position and one Al Ahli, as the ACL champions this season.

Al Hilal remain Saudi Arabia's most successful club, with a record four ACL titles and 19 Saudi Pro League championships, matching the combined totals of Al Nassr and Al Ittihad. They are also the only Asian club currently ranked in the world's top 100, placing 78th according to the Opta power index.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 but has so far claimed only one title with the club, the Arab Club Champions Cup.