According to Argentine outlet Ole, River Plate attempted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup. With Portugal set to face Spain in the UEFA Nations League final on June 9, Ronaldo confirmed in a pre-match press conference that he will not participate in the Club World Cup.
"The national team is the priority," Ronaldo stated. "Despite receiving many offers and proposals from other clubs, I have almost decided not to take part in the Club World Cup."
Following the press conference, Ole revealed: "Based on our findings, River Plate made an attempt to sign Ronaldo."
Tactical Rationale
From a tactical perspective, Ole noted that River Plate lacks a "clinical finisher" like Ronaldo for the upcoming Club World Cup. The report highlighted:
Despite thriving offensively at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s performance in elite competitions like the UEFA Nations League demonstrates his enduring value. For Portugal, he has excelled as a central striker (No. 9), as seen in his decisive goal against Germany.
Boca Juniors, another Argentine giant, could have pursued Ronaldo but already boasts Edinson Cavani as a proven finisher, alongside backups like Melentiel and Milton Jiménez. In contrast, River manager Marcelo Gallardo has benched striker Miguel Borja, relying instead on forward Enzo Francescoli—who, while capable, lacks the classic center-forward profile.
Ronaldo’s Fit at River
Ole added:
Though the 40-year-old may no longer meet Gallardo’s demands for high-intensity pressing, his mere presence "intimidates defenders during build-up play." Ronaldo’s aerial dominance, leap, and ability to drop deep as a playmaker while still threatening in front of goal remain unmatched.
Gallardo has prior connections to Ronaldo: during his time managing Saudi clubs, he faced Ronaldo and even coached him briefly in a 2023 friendly, where he led the Riyadh All-Stars against Paris Saint-Germain.
Joyckmpuyz
8
even argentina team knows CR7 is a clinical finisher