Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Al-Nassr’s squad for their AFC Champions League Two return leg against FC Goa in Riyadh. However, it remains uncertain whether the Portuguese superstar will feature in the match.
Head coach Jorge Jesus has included Ronaldo in the squad after resting him during the first leg in Goa. Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest the Al-Nassr boss may continue to rotate his team, meaning Ronaldo’s on-field appearance is still in doubt. Nonetheless, his presence in the squad list has sparked excitement among fans, who are hopeful of finally seeing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner take on an Indian club.
Al-Nassr, currently sitting atop Group D, enter this fixture as overwhelming favourites. The Saudi Pro League side will look to bounce back after a mixed week domestically, having been eliminated from the King’s Cup by Al-Ittihad, before narrowly edging past Al-Fayha in the league thanks to a stoppage-time penalty.
On the other hand, FC Goa travel to Riyadh riding a wave of confidence. The Gaurs have been in fine form on the domestic front, winning two of their last three matches in the Super Cup 2025, results that secured their place in the semifinals.
For head coach Manolo Marquez, the encounter against Al-Nassr is an opportunity to translate that domestic momentum onto the continental stage. Though still searching for their first points in the AFC Champions League Two campaign, FC Goa made history in the first leg when Brison Fernandes netted India’s first-ever goal in the competition’s group stage. Despite ultimately losing 1–2, the performance earned widespread praise for the Indian side’s fighting spirit.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Marquez said, “It’s an honour for us to play against such a big club. These moments are special not only for the players but for all FC Goa supporters and Indian football. But we’re not here just to admire the occasion — we’re here to compete.
“We’ve earned this opportunity through hard work, from last season’s efforts to our progress this year. The team is confident, in good form, and we want to enjoy the match but most importantly, we want to compete and try to win.”
The return leg at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh on Wednesday promises to be a spectacle with all eyes on whether Ronaldo will finally take the field against an Indian opponent.
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