Cristiano Ronaldo could play in India

Dubai; The prospect of Cristiano Ronaldo playing in India has become temptingly real after ISL club FC Goa were drawn alongside the Portuguese superstar’s Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Two.

FC Goa find themselves in Group D with the Saudi giants, alongside Iraq’s Al Zawraa and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol. Another Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant, meanwhile, face Iran’s Sepahan SC, Jordan’s Al Hussein SC and Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC in Group C.

The tournament, Asia’s second-tier club competition below the AFC Champions League Elite, begins on September 16 with home and away group matches. UAE’s Sharjah FC lifted the trophy in the inaugural edition following the competition’s rebrand from the AFC Cup.

But here’s the reality check. Saudi sports journalist Falah Al Jeddani reports that Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has struck a deal with Ronaldo to rest him for roughly 25 per cent of matches next season. The 40-year-old Ronaldo will skip some of the AFC Champions League Two games, Kings Cup fixtures, and lower-priority league matches. We don’t know whether that will include the games against FC Goa.

While Mohun Bagan qualified directly after winning the ISL Shield, FC Goa earned their spot by beating Omani club Al Seeb in the playoffs following their Super Cup triumph.

The harsh truth is, Ronaldo’s India visit hangs by a thread. At his age, prioritising domestic Saudi league matches over continental second-tier competition makes sense, especially considering his aim is to stay fit for the World Cup in 2026. Indian football fans can only hope Al Nassr’s fixture scheduling works in their favour.

Group A: Al Wasl FC, Esteghlal FC, Al Muharraq SC, Al Wehdat

Group B: Al Ahli SC, PFC Andijon, FC Arkadag, Al Khaldiya SC

Group C: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sepahan S.C., Al Hussein SC, Ahal FC

Group D: FC Goa, Al Nassr, Al-Zawraa, FC Istiklol

Group E: Beijing FC, Macarthur FC, Tai Po FC, Cong An Ha Noi FC

Group F: Bangkok United, Selangor FC, Lion City Sailors FC, Persib Bandung

Group G: Gamba Osaka, Nam Dinh FC, Ratchaburi FC, Eastern FC

Group H: FC Pohang Steelers, BG Pathum United, Kaya FC-Iloilo, Tampines Rovers FC.