Football great Cristiano Ronaldo could face an Indian club for the first time in his career, with his team Al Nassr drawn in the same AFC Champions League Two group as FC Goa. The group stage draw, held on August 15, placed the Saudi side in Group D alongside Goa, Iraq’s Al Zawra’a, and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.
This draw raised hopes among fans of seeing the Portuguese star play in India during the 2025-26 season. However, Ronaldo's outing in India is not guaranteed, with reports suggesting his contract includes conditions on away travel for the tournament. The No. 7 can opt out of away matches as per reports.
For 40-year-old Ronaldo, the new campaign is another shot at the Saudi Pro League title. The trophy has eluded him since joining Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his contract with his club, committing to stay until 2027. Back in June, he helped lead Portugal to a massive win in the UEFA Nations League, where they beat Spain in the final. If he remains fit and available, his upcoming match against FC Goa could be his very first competitive game against an Indian team.
FC Goa booked their spot in the tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Oman’s Al Saeb in the qualifiers. Goals from Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio sealed the victory for the Indian side.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will also take part in the tournament and has been placed in Group D alongside Sepahan SC, Al Hussein, and Ahal FC. They earned their spot by winning the 2024-25 ISL Shield.
AFC Champions League Two Group Stage Draw Result
- Group A: Al Wasl FC (UAE), Esteghlal FC (IRN), Al Muharraq SC (BHR), Al Wehdat (JOR)
- Group B: Al Ahli SC (QAT), PFC Andijon (UZB), FC Arkadag (TKM), Al Khaldiya SC (BHR)
- Group C: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC (IRN), Al Hussein (JOR), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (IND), Ahal FC (TKM)
- Group D: Al Nassr Club (KSA), Al Zawraa SC (IRQ), FC Istiklol (TJK), FC Goa (IND)
- Group E: Beijing FC (CHN), Macarthur FC (AUS), Tai Po FC (HKG), Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)
- Group F: Gamba Osaka (JPN), Nam Dinh FC (VIE), Ratchaburi FC (THA), Eastern FC (HKG)
- Group G: Bangkok United (THA), Selangor FC (MAS), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP), Persib Bandung (IDN)
- Group H: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR), BG Pathum United (THA), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Tampines Rovers FC (SGP)