BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo set to miss FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash in India - Report

FC Goa were drawn alongside Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Group D of AFC Champions League 2!

It all seemed destined for Cristiano Ronaldo to finally make a visit to India after a series of miracles. FC Goa went on to defeat former AFC Cup winners, Al Seeb, to qualify for ACL 2. Al Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League and had no possibility of competing in Asia got the ACL 2 berth out of nowhere. After Al Ittihad thrashed Al Qadsiah in the finals of the King Cup of Champions, the ACL 2 berth was given to Al Nassr.

Most surprisingly, it seemed that god finally heard the prayers after FC Goa were drawn alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2. Ever since the draw, there was a sense of excitement and speculation among Indian fans: if Ronaldo will travel with Al Nassr for the away game against FC Goa on 22nd October 2025.

But as it seems, the joy turned into despair after a Saudi-based newspaper Al Riyadhiah, reported that Ronaldo is not coming to India for the away game against FC Goa despite multiple requests from FC Goa management.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo might have declined the trip to Goa?

The most logical reason is that Jorge Jesus’ side are in pole position to make it to the next round after two wins and Ronaldo is yet to feature in the tournament at all. Within a week after the away game against Goa, Al Nassr will face reigning Saudi Champions Al Ittihad in the Round of 16 knockout fixture of the King Cup of Champions.

Also, a lot of reports claim that in Ronaldo’s new contract, some clauses limit or give Ronaldo discretion about playing away fixtures outside Saudi Arabia. To manage his workload with age, he signalled that he would be selective to prioritise his fitness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Many reports also claim that the playing surface at Goa’s JLN Stadium was also a likely factor. It has a hybrid natural grass surface and has gone multiple re-layings and turf reinforcements over the years, which often carry risks of muscular strain and elevated joints.

Ronaldo has been in phenomenal form recently

The Portuguese legend is ageing like a fine wine. He has played 5 games for Al Nassr so far this season and has already scored five and given one assist. He also registered 2 goal contributions in 2 games for Al Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup.

However, Ronaldo is yet to play a single minute in ACL 2. Despite his unavailability, the Saudi giants won both their games against Istiklol and Al Zawraa. Al Nassr are also at the top of the Saudi Pro League and is the only team to win all of their games so far in the tournament.

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