Pakistan, June 20 -- In the end, not even being the face of the Saudi Pro League or Gianni Infantino could engineer a way to get Cristiano Ronaldo to the Club World Cup.

FIFA president Infantino certainly tried - last month making a public appeal ahead of the tournament. "If any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup .," he teased during an interview with YouTuber iShowSpeed.

Ronaldo's contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr was due to expire and FIFA's decision to create a specially-made mini transfer window for its newest competition meant the path was clear for the Real Madrid great to sign a short-term deal with a new team just in time to take part.

Given his connection to Saudi Arabia, rumors...