Cristiano Ronaldo vs. FC Goa: Historic Match in India with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo to Lead Al Nassr in Historic Match in India

The Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo will travel to India to face FC Goa in a match of the Asian Champions League Two, a match described as “historic” in the country. Al Nassr, the Saudi team where Ronaldo plays, was drawn on Friday to face the Indian Super League (ISL) club in Group D of Asia’s second-tier club competition. The group also includes Istiklol of Tajikistan and Al-Zawraa of Iraq. The top two teams from each of the eight groups will advance to the second round.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for FC Goa. Hosting Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo is possibly the biggest match in the history of Indian club football.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa

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Ronaldo, who is currently 40 years old, has yet to win a major trophy since joining the Riyadh club in 2022. The team is expected to field its full strength when the action begins in September. Al Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi Professional League last season, also has other prominent figures such as Sadio Mané and João Félix.

The match represents an opportunity for Indian football, according to Puskur.

For Indian football, this is historic. We are here on merit, and a match like this gives us the opportunity to show that we can compete on the continental stage, being part of the most important narratives in the sport.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa

Puskur trusts that the excitement will be felt throughout the country, which will give a much-needed boost to the local game.

It’s a unique opportunity to attract global attention to Indian football and, most importantly, an opportunity to spark greater interest in Indian football among fans across the country, giving the game the prominence it so badly needs.

Ravi Puskur, CEO of FC Goa

The draw takes place at a time of crisis in Indian national football. The 2025-26 ISL season was due to begin in September, but has been suspended due to uncertainty over the renewal of an organizational agreement between the Indian federation and its commercial partner.