For the Asian Champions League Two clash, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be coming to India as Al Nassr takes on FC Goa. Following Friday’s draw, Ronaldo-led Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr was placed in Group D alongside Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa, Tajikistan’s Istiklol, and Iraq’s Al-Zawraa. From each of the eight groups, the top two teams will progress to the second round.

Biggest game in Indian club football history

FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur said, “This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for FC Goa. To host Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the biggest game in Indian club football history.” The match is highly anticipated as Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh-based club in 2022, has yet to secure a major win with them. The team is expected to be at full strength when the competition begins in September.

Excitement will be felt nationwide

Al Nassr, who finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, boasts a star-studded lineup that includes former Liverpool star Sadio Mané and João Félix.

Puskur added that for Indian football, this is a landmark opportunity: “We are here on merit, and a match like this gives us the chance to show that we can compete on the continental stage, becoming part of the sport’s biggest narratives.” He noted that when the tournament kicks off in September, the excitement will be felt nationwide, giving Indian football the global spotlight it has long awaited.

Indian domestic football is in crisis

However, this draw comes at a time when Indian domestic football is in crisis. The 2025-26 ISL season, initially scheduled to start in September, has been suspended due to uncertainty over the renewal of an agreement between the All India Football Federation and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Ltd., with the matter pending before the Supreme Court.

Long-term growth opportunity

Meanwhile, clubs such as Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC, and Chennaiyin FC have suspended player salaries and operations. Puskur emphasized that while the financial boost is important, the bigger picture is the long-term growth opportunity this creates for Indian football.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share