The football world is buzzing with the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players of all time, potentially playing on Indian soil. This exciting prospect has emerged after the draw for the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26. The draw, held on August 15, 2025, placed Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr, in Group D alongside Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa, Iraq's Al Zawraa, and Tajikistan's FC Istiklol.
For FC Goa, a club founded in 2014, the opportunity to face Al Nassr and possibly Ronaldo is nothing short of historic. It would be the most high-profile game in the club's history. The chance to share the field with a global icon like Ronaldo would be an invaluable experience for the players and a momentous occasion for the fans.
However, there's no guarantee that Ronaldo will make the trip to India. Reports suggest that his contract with Al Nassr includes a clause that allows him to skip certain away matches in the AFC Champions League Two. This condition casts a shadow of uncertainty over his participation in the away game against FC Goa. Despite this, he will appear in the home match against FC Goa, which will take place in Riyadh.
Even if Ronaldo doesn't travel to India, the opportunity to compete against Al Nassr is a significant achievement for FC Goa. The club has been steadily growing in stature in Indian football, and this exposure to international competition will further enhance their reputation. FC Goa secured their spot in the AFC Champions League Two group stage by defeating Oman's Al Seeb 2-1 in the qualifiers. Goals from Dejan Drazic and Javier Siverio sealed the victory, marking a significant milestone for the club.
Adding to the excitement for Indian football fans, another Indian club, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, will also participate in the AFC Champions League Two. They were drawn into Group C alongside Sepahan SC (Iran), Al Hussein (Jordan), and Ahal FC (Turkmenistan). Mohun Bagan secured their place in the tournament by winning the 2024-25 ISL Shield.
The AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 group stage will commence on September 16 and conclude on December 24, following a home-and-away format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16.
Whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo graces Indian soil, the AFC Champions League Two promises to be a thrilling experience for FC Goa and their fans. The possibility of witnessing one of the world's best players in action is an enticing prospect, and the opportunity to compete against a team of Al Nassr's caliber is a testament to FC Goa's progress.