Wydad Casablanca enters the race for Cristiano Ronaldo: A crazy dream or stroke of genius?
- panafricafootball
- May 21
- 2 min read

While Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr remains up in the air, increasingly surprising rumors are emerging surrounding the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. Among them is the unexpected interest of Wydad Athletic Club, one of the giants of Moroccan and African football, which is reportedly interested in securing the Portuguese player for the FIFA Club World Cup which will launch on June 14.
According to the Spanish daily Marca, Wydad, which has qualified for the new and expanded 32-team Club World Cup, would like to make a splash by signing Cristiano Ronaldo, if only for this global tournament. The goal: to capitalize on both the sporting impact and media reach that the legendary striker's presence in the Casablanca club's colors would represent.
Persistent uncertainty in Saudi Arabia
Al-Nassr, still competing in the Saudi league, is experiencing a frustrating end to the season. They have only two matches left and a slim chance of securing a spot in the Asian Champions League. This situation is considered a failure, despite the investments made and the presence of a player of Ronaldo's caliber.
The Portuguese, who has posted respectable statistics but whose performance is considered below expectations, has not yet decided on his future. A contract extension would force Al-Nassr to reshape the team around his requirements, while a departure would mark the end of a resounding media and commercial gamble for Saudi football.
A Wydad Gamble?
In this uncertain context, calls from Brazil have already been mentioned. But Wydad's interest comes as a significant surprise. A historic club and three-time African champion, WAC could rely on a short-term contract to convince Ronaldo to join its ranks, solely for the duration of the World Cup. This would be a first for an African club of this level, and a move with significant potential for the image of Moroccan football.
FIFA, for its part, is openly enthusiastic about the prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi competing together in this first World Cup-style tournament. Inter Miami has already confirmed the Argentine's participation, and CR7's presence—even at an unlikely club like Wydad—would be a powerful marketing tool for a competition still trying to carve out a place on the international calendar.
A difficult operation, but not entirely unrealistic
Of course, economically, the gap between Wydad's resources and Ronaldo's salary expectations seems enormous. But with a symbolic loan, supported by private partners and perhaps even encouraged by FIFA itself, this "Moroccan dream" could take on a more concrete form than it appears.
It remains to be seen whether this rumor is a mere media spark... or the first step toward a sensational saga in world football.