Goa: Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of Al Nasr’s squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League 2 group stage match against FC Goa, disappointing fans who had eagerly anticipated witnessing the football superstar in action on Indian soil. The match is scheduled for October 22 at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
Earlier reports had suggested that Ronaldo would travel with Al Nasr to India, raising hopes among fans and local football enthusiasts. However, Saudi media outlets, quoting Al Nasr’s coach, confirmed that the Portuguese forward would not make the trip. The club itself has yet to release an official statement, though the full squad list is expected to be shared tomorrow. FC Goa officials had previously confirmed that Al Nasr had submitted Ronaldo’s visa documents, fueling expectations of his arrival.
The decision appears to be influenced by careful planning around Ronaldo’s fitness and travel schedule ahead of the next year’s World Cup. With FC Goa positioned at the bottom of their group, concerns about fielding the superstar in a high-travel match had already been voiced by supporters. This cautious approach reflects Al Nasr’s priority to maintain player fitness and performance continuity for upcoming major tournaments.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nasr will still field a formidable lineup, featuring key players Sadio Mane and Joao Felix, promising a competitive encounter for FC Goa. Football analysts note that while Ronaldo’s charisma and goal-scoring prowess are missing, Mane and Felix’s presence ensures the match remains a high-stakes contest.
Fans in Goa expressed mixed feelings, with excitement for the Champions League clash tempered by the absence of one of football’s greatest stars. Nonetheless, the Fatorda Stadium is expected to witness an electrifying atmosphere as Al Nasr’s elite squad faces the hosts in this crucial group stage fixture.