Legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo might travel to India in October to play for Al Nasr in their AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) match against FC Goa. Moreover, Al Nasr has registered Ronaldo along with several other global stars for the tournament.
According to the Times of India, Al Nasr has registered 12 foreign players, including Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix. However, Aymeric Laporte will not participate after moving to Athletic Club in La Liga.
FC Goa’s Group Stage Matches
FC Goa is in the same group as Al Nasr, alongside Al Zawraa (Iraq) and FC Istiklol (Tajikistan). First, the Indian team will host Al Zawraa at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on September 17. Next, they will face Istiklol on October 1, and Al Nasr is scheduled to play in India on October 22.
Ronaldo’s participation is still uncertain. For example, last year, he played only one away game in ACL2 despite being registered.
Ronaldo Extends Contract with Al Nasr
Ronaldo, the record goalscorer in international tournaments, recently extended his contract with Al Nasr. On June 26, he signed a new deal until 2027, therefore ending speculation about a move to Major League Soccer, where Lionel Messi plays.
FC Goa Returns to ACL2
On August 13, FC Goa qualified for the ACL2 2025–26 group stage by defeating Omani champions Al Seeb Club 2-1. This victory marked Goa’s return to continental football. Previously, they last played in the ACL group stage in 2021, becoming the first Indian club to reach that stage.
FC Goa earned a spot in the preliminary qualifier after winning the Kalinga Super Cup. Furthermore, head coach Manolo Marquez, returning from the Indian national team, fielded a full-strength XI, including six foreign signings: Pol Moreno, David Timor, and Javier Siverio.
Serbian forward Dejan Drazic opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Then, Siverio doubled the lead early in the second half. Although Nasser Al-Rawahi pulled one back for Al Seeb, Goa held on to secure the win at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
As a result, FC Goa joins Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ACL2 group stage, Asia’s second-tier club competition below the AFC Champions League Elite.
Consequently, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of seeing Ronaldo play in India against FC Goa.