Ronaldo's Goa Dilemma: Will the Al Nassr Legend Travel for India’s Big Night?
18 October 2025
Ronaldo's status for the Goa clash
Al Nassr has clarified Ronaldo's participation ahead of the AFC Champions League 2 group-stage match against FC Goa in Margao, India. The game is set for next Wednesday at Fatorda Stadium, part of the third round of the group phase.
Despite the excitement, coach Jorge Jesus had previously kept Ronaldo out of early ACL2 fixtures to preserve his energy for the long season ahead.
What Goa's leadership says
Goa's president Ravi Buskur told reporters that while Ronaldo’s name appears on the travel visa, his presence on the plane to India is not automatically guaranteed. The Goan side had reportedly requested Ronaldo accompany the squad, but the final decision rests with Al Nassr and Ronaldo’s fitness and schedule.
The Goan president stressed that the team will travel with a large delegation—rumors put the group near 85 people—yet a firm assurance about Ronaldo’s participation remained pending at the time of the interview.
Season in focus and Ronaldo's enduring legacy
Ronaldo has been delivering standout numbers since the season began, contributing to six appearances with five goals and one assist for Al Nassr. Notably, he helped the team reach the Saudi Super Cup final, scoring in the semi-final win over Al Ittihad and finding the net in the final—only to fall short in the final via a penalty shootout.
In domestic league play, he has scored in four of the five league matches he played, with one game in which he did not net. Internationally with Portugal, Ronaldo has continued his prolific form, tallying five goals in four qualifiers under manager Roberto Martínez.
Ronaldo’s feats extend beyond club football. He is Portugal’s all-time top scorer with 143 international goals across more than 210 appearances, highlighted by Euro 2016 success and multiple Nations League campaigns. His ongoing record-breaking run in qualifiers has solidified his standing as one of the sport’s enduring icons.
Keep an eye on the India clash: if Ronaldo travels, this could be one of the most significant nights in Indian football history, with sponsors ready to sign upon confirmation and a stadium crowd ready to witness a legend in Margao.
Punchline 1: If Ronaldo actually boards the flight, even the plane’s engines might accelerate in his honor—gravity won’t stand a chance against the GOAT’s goals.
Punchline 2: And if he scores in Margao, the only thing that’ll stop cheering will be the traffic as Goa’s fans demand extra stoppage time for a standing ovation.
