Fans hoping to see Cristiano Ronaldo in action against FC Goa will have to wait a little longer. Despite training with the squad ahead of the AFC Champions League Two match in Riyadh, the Portuguese star will not feature in Wednesday’s fixture.
Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo will be rested to manage his workload and ensure long-term fitness.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate in Wednesday’s match. We need to protect him. This game is an opportunity for other players to show their abilities,” Jesus told reporters on the eve of the match.
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Although the 40-year-old forward was included in the matchday squad as per reports from Al-Riyadiyah, the decision was made in the final preparation phase to preserve him for upcoming fixtures.
In Cristiano Ronaldo absence, Saudi striker Haroune Camara is expected to lead the attack. Camara was on the scoresheet in the previous meeting between the two teams, where Al-Nassr claimed a 2-1 victory at Fatorda.
Al-Nassr head into the game after a mixed week—exiting the King’s Cup at the hands of Al Ittihad, but bouncing back with a win over Al Fayha, where Ronaldo netted a brace to secure all three points. The Riyadh giants remain strong contenders, boasting high-level talent across multiple positions.
Meanwhile, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez expressed excitement and pride ahead of the challenge:
“It’s an honour for us to play games like this—not just for the players, but for all FC Goa fans and Indian football. We aim to compete in the best possible way against a big team like Al Nassr,” he said via the ISL’s official website.
Under the spotlight at Al-Awwal Park, FC Goa will aim to maintain composure, discipline, and ambition as they continue representing Indian football on one of Asia’s grandest stages.