Cristiano Ronaldo might soon face an Indian club for the first time in his legendary career.
Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian side, has been placed in Group D of the AFC Champions League 2 alongside India’s FC Goa, Iraq’s Al-Zawraa, and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol.
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The draw has sparked excitement among Indian football fans, who are now wondering whether they’ll get to see the Portuguese legend play on Indian soil.
While the group stage will follow a home-and-away format, Ronaldo’s contract reportedly contains a clause that could restrict him from travelling for certain away games, making his participation in India a big question mark.
What does the draw mean for FC Goa?
For FC Goa, the chance to play Al-Nassr is nothing short of historic. The Goan club, established in 2014, has never faced a global icon of Ronaldo’s stature.
The matches will be played both in Riyadh and Goa, provided Ronaldo travels for the away leg.
FC Goa booked their place in the tournament by defeating Oman’s Al Seeb 2-1 in the qualifiers. Goals from Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio secured the win, marking one of the club’s biggest achievements to date.
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Will CR7 travel to India?
While excitement is high, there’s no guarantee fans in India will get to witness Ronaldo in live action. Reports suggest the forward’s contract includes a travel restriction for certain away fixtures in the AFC competitions.
During last season's AFC Champions League Elite, Ronaldo skipped two away games and missed another due to injury, despite playing three on the road. This track record adds to the uncertainty.
The summer transfer window was filled with rumours of Ronaldo moving to the USA ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
However, he shut down speculation by signing a new deal with Al-Nassr, committing his immediate future to the Saudi club.
In continental competitions, Ronaldo has already faced tough away trips, including games against Esteghlal FC, Al-Gharafa, and Yokohama FM.
AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 Group stage draw result
Group A:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Al Wasl FC | UAE |
| Esteghlal FC | IRN |
| Al Muharraq SC | BHR |
| Al Wehdat | JOR |
Group B:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Al Ahli SC | QAT |
| PFC Andijon | UZB |
| FC Arkadag | TKM |
| Al Khaldiya SC | BHR |
Group C:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC | IRN |
| Al Hussein | JOR |
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | IND |
| Ahal FC | TKM |
Group D:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Al Nassr Club | KSA |
| Al Zawraa SC | IRQ |
| FC Istiklol | TJK |
| FC Goa | IND |
Group E:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Beijing FC | CHN |
| Macarthur FC | AUS |
| Tai Po FC | HKG |
| Cong An Ha Noi FC | VIE |
Group F:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Gamba Osaka | JPN |
| Nam Dinh FC | VIE |
| Ratchaburi FC | THA |
| Eastern FC | HKG |
Group G:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| Bangkok United | THA |
| Selangor FC | MAS |
| Lion City Sailors FC | SGP |
| Persib Bandung | IDN |
Group H:
| Team | Country |
|---|---|
| FC Pohang Steelers | KOR |
| BG Pathum United | THA |
| Kaya FC-Iloilo | PHI |
| Tampines Rovers FC | SGP |