Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese forward, will not be joining his Al Nassr teammates for their AFC Champions League 2 match against FC Goa in India on October 22. The Saudi Arabian club has confirmed that Ronaldo will be rested for the match, a decision aimed at managing his workload as he focuses on competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The news will undoubtedly disappoint many fans in India who were eagerly anticipating the chance to see the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in action. Excitement had been building in Goa and across the country, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant even remarking on the buzz surrounding Ronaldo's potential visit. His presence was expected to be a moment of great pride and inspiration, as well as a boost for sports tourism in the region. FC Goa had reportedly made multiple requests to Al Nassr to ensure Ronaldo's participation. The club had even included Ronaldo in the list of players submitted for visa applications. However, Al Nassr has now confirmed that he will not be making the trip.
Several factors contributed to Ronaldo's absence. One key reason is the clause in his contract with Al Nassr that allows him to choose which matches he plays outside of Saudi Arabia. This contractual provision grants him the flexibility to prioritize his fitness and manage his appearances, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. At 40 years old, Ronaldo is keen on maintaining peak condition to compete in what would be a record-breaking sixth World Cup. Coach Jorge Jesus and the Al Nassr management believe that managing Ronaldo's game time is crucial to ensure he remains fit and ready for the tournament.
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al Nassr's squad boasts a number of other high-profile players, including Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, Inigo Martinez and Kingsley Coman. Al Nassr has already secured victories in their first two AFC Champions League 2 group stage matches without Ronaldo. They defeated FC Istiklol 5-1 at home and Al Zawraa 2-0 in Iraq. They are currently at the top of their group.
FC Goa, on the other hand, has struggled in the competition so far, losing both of their matches without scoring a goal. Coach Manolo Marquez has urged fans to be realistic about their chances against a strong Al Nassr side. Al Nassr will face Al Ittihad in the King's Cup Round of 16 on October 28.
While Ronaldo's absence is a setback for Indian football fans, Al Nassr's arrival in Goa is still a significant event. The match will provide an opportunity for FC Goa to test themselves against some of the best players in Asia.
