Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar reportedly turned down an opportunity to play at the FIFA Club World Cup.
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Ronaldo, fresh after leading Portugal to the UEFA Nations League final, faces uncertainty over his future with Saudi side Al-Nassr.
With his contract set to expire on 30 June 2025, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has garnered attention from several sides playing at the FIFA Club World Cup.
While previous reports indicated that Botafogo, Al Ahly, and Wydad AC were interested in securing the ex-Real Madrid star's services, another Brazilian side also reportedly expressed interest.
According to reports from Bein Sports, the Portuguese icon had turned down a move to join Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup opponents, Fluminense.
Club President Mario Bittencourt had reportedly reached out to Ronaldo's former agent Jorge Mendes to convince the former Juventus striker to join.
"He told me clearly that Cristiano isn’t interested in Brazilian football right now. I even tried to convince him by saying Fluminense wears Portugal’s national colors, but it wasn’t enough,” said the president.
Bittencourt shifted his attention to Brazilian forward Neymar, who joined boyhood club Santos after leaving Al-Hilal last season.
The president allegedly approached Neymar with the proposal and suggested he speak with his father to get permission from Santos.
The former Barcelona man was expected to join on a short-term deal for the tournament and despite his father's willingness, Neymar ultimately declined.
"Neymar himself said he felt honored, that he liked the idea, and that playing the Club World Cup would be a dream—but he prefers to use that month to recover physically,” Bittencourt added.
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Fluminense will face Masandawana, Korean side Ulsan HD, and German giants Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup.
