Al-Nassr FC has confirmed that captain Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the travelling squad for their AFC Champions League 2 match against FC Goa. The Group D fixture is scheduled for Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. The confirmation ended all speculation in India, with the Saudi club expected to arrive in Goa on Monday night. "Al-Nassr have informed FC Goa today that Ronaldo will not travel," a source tracking the development told the press.
Ronaldo's absence is reportedly linked to workload management, as the 40-year-old star aims to play in the 2026 World Cup. According to Saudi media reports, Ronaldo's contract also includes a clause giving him the right to select which games he plays outside Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese forward, who has missed both of Al Nassr's previous ACL 2 matches, is also being rested ahead of a Kings Cup clash against Al Ittihad on October 28. While Ronaldo is out, stars Sadio Mane and Joao Felix will feature in the squad.
The news comes as a disappointment to local fans who were energized by the potential visit. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had also commented on the excitement, stating, "Ronaldo’s presence will inspire thousands of young players and will put Goa firmly on the global sports tourism map."
Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al Nassr remains a formidable opponent. The Saudi giants top Group D with six points, having won both their matches in the competition. While FC Goa sits at the bottom of the table, having lost both their opening games, and still searching for the first points of the campaign.