Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr FC have touched down in Goa ahead of their AFC Champions League 2 clash against FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, but fans will have to watch the match without their captain and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
The squad, led by head coach Jorge Jesus, arrived at Manohar International Airport around midnight after encountering bad weather that forced their flight to circle five times before landing safely. Big names like Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, and Inigo Martinez were spotted alongside the rest of the team at the airport.
Al Nassr have been in impressive form in the group stage, currently topping their table. They started with a 5-1 victory over FC Istikol and followed it with a 2-0 win against Al Zawraa in Iraq. Their recent league outing saw a dominant win against Al Fateh, with Felix scoring a hat-trick and Ronaldo contributing to the scoresheet in Saudi competitions.
Why Ronaldo Won’t Travel to Goa
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence comes as a disappointment for fans eager to see the Portuguese forward live in India. Reports indicate that Ronaldo’s contract includes a clause allowing him to skip matches held outside Saudi Arabia, helping him manage his workload efficiently. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Ronaldo is prioritising his fitness to aim for a record sixth World Cup appearance and a first-ever World Cup trophy with Portugal.
So far this season in Saudi League and Cup matches, Ronaldo has been in strong form, scoring six goals and providing two assists in seven appearances, underlining his continued impact on the pitch despite missing the trip to India.
Al Nassr will now rely on their squad depth, including Coman, Mane, Felix, and other key players, to maintain their winning momentum against FC Goa. The clash promises to be a thrilling encounter for local fans, even in Ronaldo’s absence.
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