Jorge Jesus reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't travel to India for FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :October 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM

Modified at :October 21, 2025 at 6:39 PM

Jorge Jesus reveals reason why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't travel to India for FC Goa vs Al Nassr clash

(Courtesy : Getty)

Al-Nassr will face FC Goa on 22nd October.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been rested for Al-Nassr’s forthcoming game against FC Goa, according to head coach Jorge Jesus, who also clarified that the star forward is still in Riyadh getting ready for their next game.

Fans have been saddened by Ronaldo not travelling to India, but the coach reassured them that Al-Nassr’s team, which includes Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Iñigo Martínez, is prepared to put on a spectacular show in Goa.

Al-Nassr landed at the Manohar International Airport in Goa on Monday night, marking their arrival in India. Ahead of the team’s matchup in the AFC Champions League 2, the excitement is at its peak.

Jesus reveals why Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t travel to India

Cristiano Ronaldo will be rested whenever Al-Nassr play outside of Riyadh, according to head coach Jorge Jesus, who also added that the Portuguese player is getting ready for the ucpoming key matches in league and cup.

“Everyone loves Cristiano Ronaldo, and he has a lot of fans. We have decided to rest him when we play outside Saudi Arabia. Everyone wants to see and meet him, but we chose to keep him in Riyadh to prepare for the next game,” Jorge Jesus told reporters.

“Everyone loves Cristiano Ronaldo, and he has a lot of fans. We have decided to rest him when we play outside Saudi Arabia. Everyone wants to see and meet him, but we chose to keep him in Riyadh to prepare for the next game,"– Jorge Jesus told reporters ahead of FC Goa vs Al… pic.twitter.com/yBk1e1ivVq
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 21, 2025

Al-Nassr’s performance in the AFC Champions League 2 have been outstanding. In the competition, the Saudi team has won all the games so far and remains at the top of the table.

Al-Nassr defeated Istiklol 5-0 in their first meeting and then defeated Al-Zawraa 2-0 in their second match without Ronaldo. Their unbeaten run puts them as the overwhelming favourites for the forthcoming ACL Two match in Fatorda, Goa, and they are presently leading the group stage rankings.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo won’t play against FC Goa?

He has rested for the match, as confirmed by manager Jesus.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo not play any matches outside Saudi Arabia?

Yes, as revealed by Al Nassr manager.

Has Ronaldo played in any AFC Two matches this term?

No, he has not featured in the compeition this term.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.