The possibility of temporary signings for the FIFA Club World Cup has triggered a wave of speculation and excitement among football fans, particularly those of Real Madrid.
One name, in particular, has dominated the conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo. With the tournament set to kick off in June in the United States and with both Portuguese giants Benfica and FC Porto also taking part the idea of seeing the iconic Portuguese forward back in a Real Madrid shirt, even for a brief spell, has captured the imagination of many.
Ronaldo, currently playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, remains one of the most recognized and marketable footballers in the world. Despite being 39 years old, he continues to score regularly at club and international level, and his physical condition remains impressive. His legendary status at Real Madrid, where he spent nine unforgettable years from 2009 to 2018, makes him a unique figure in the club’s history. Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with 450 goals in just 438 appearances, and he helped the club win four Champions League titles, among numerous other trophies.
With FIFA confirming that participating clubs will be allowed to make up to six short-term signings specifically for the Club World Cup, fans and pundits alike have begun to wonder: could Real Madrid make a sensational, short-term move to bring Ronaldo back for one last dance?
In light of the growing speculation, Radio Marca decided to hit the streets and speak directly to Real Madrid supporters to understand how they feel about the possibility. The results, as reported by Marca, revealed a fan base split between nostalgia and pragmatism. Many fans expressed overwhelming support for the idea, pointing not only to Ronaldo’s potential sporting contribution but also the immense marketing impact his return would have.
“He would be a great addition, both in sporting terms and from a marketing perspective,” said one supporter. “Ronaldo is a symbol of Real Madrid. Seeing him wear the white shirt again, even for a few games, would be a dream come true.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment: “He’s still in shape, he still scores goals, and in a short tournament like the Club World Cup, experience and leadership matter. He could be decisive in key moments.”
However, not all fans are in agreement. Some believe that Ronaldo’s time at the club, as legendary as it was, has come to a natural end. “That chapter is closed,” said one fan. “We’ve moved on. The attack is solid with players like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Bellingham contributing heavily. Bringing Ronaldo back could disrupt the balance or create unnecessary pressure.”
There’s also a practical angle to consider. Real Madrid are expected to pursue major signings this summer, with names like Kylian Mbappé continuing to dominate the headlines. The return of Ronaldo, even on a short-term basis, could complicate squad dynamics and media narratives during an already high-profile period for the club.
From the club’s perspective, no official statement has been made regarding any potential approach for Ronaldo. However, with the six temporary signing slots available, clubs are expected to explore creative ways to strengthen their squads for what promises to be a competitive and commercially valuable tournament. The Club World Cup’s expansion featuring 32 teams for the first time will bring a new level of global attention, and clubs will be looking to both win on the pitch and maximize their global brand exposure.
Given Ronaldo’s unparalleled history with Real Madrid and his global appeal, a short-term return for the Club World Cup could serve as a unique and emotional farewell something that never quite happened when he left for Juventus in 2018. It could also act as a powerful symbol of Real Madrid’s legacy in the competition, especially as they prepare to challenge the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and South American powerhouses in the new tournament format.
For now, the idea remains in the realm of speculation, but with growing buzz among fans and the media, the ball may soon be in Real Madrid’s court. Whether they choose to act on the romantic notion of a Ronaldo comeback or maintain their focus on the club’s future stars, one thing is clear: the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the iconic white shirt once more even briefly is one that continues to stir the hearts of millions.