Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will not be travelling to India for Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League 2 encounter against FC Goa, dealing a major blow to Indian fans who were eagerly awaiting his first-ever appearance in the country.
According to reports from Saudi outlet Al Riyadhiah, the 40-year-old forward has chosen to skip the Group D fixture scheduled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on October 22. Despite repeated requests from FC Goa’s management to include Ronaldo in the travelling squad, Al-Nassr have decided to proceed without their star striker.
Ronaldo’s absence is especially disappointing for Indian supporters, coming in the same year Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team are set to play an international friendly against Australia in India — a year that had already ignited massive excitement around global football in the country.
Sources suggest that Ronaldo’s contract allows him to opt out of fixtures held outside Saudi Arabia, giving him flexibility to manage his playing schedule. With his focus reportedly on maintaining peak fitness ahead of the next World Cup, the veteran has chosen not to make the long trip to Goa.
Adding to the early buzz, Ronaldo’s name was initially listed in Al-Nassr’s visa application sent to Indian authorities, fuelling speculation about his potential visit. However, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur later clarified that there was no official confirmation from the Saudi club.
“We are still waiting for clarity. His team said they’re evaluating their options and will decide closer to the match. Every visiting club provides a list of players for visa purposes, and Ronaldo’s name was included in that,” Puskur told The Indian Express.
Al-Nassr, who will land in Goa late Monday night, have already won both of their group-stage matches in the AFC Champions League 2 without Ronaldo and are on track to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Despite the disappointment of Ronaldo’s no-show, the upcoming fixture remains a milestone moment for Indian football — marking the first time an Indian Super League club will host one of Asia’s most high-profile teams in a continental competition.
Following their match in Fatorda, Al-Nassr are scheduled to return to Saudi Arabia for their King’s Cup Round of 16 clash against Al-Ittihad on October 28.
