Ronaldo Nears Indian Dream: A Global Night in the Making
6 October 2025
Indian Dream Beckons
Saudi media reports on Cristiano Ronaldo's stance regarding participating with Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League clash against Goa, the Indian club, in the third group-stage match of ACL 2.
Al Nassr prepare to face Goa on October 22, after the international break, as they continue their continental campaign following an opening success with wins over Istiklol Dushanbe and Al Zawraa.
Ravi Bouskor, the CEO of the Indian club, told that Al Nassr's management requested visas for members of the squad in order to travel, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has not played in ACL since its inception, and reports suggest an agreement with the club to refrain from playing some ACL games, particularly in the early rounds where the team might not need his services.
Dream in Goa
Since the group draw put Al Nassr with Goa, there has been significant media and fan interest in India to see Ronaldo, the most prominent star in Saudi football, making what would be a historic visit for a globally beloved icon in Southeast Asia and beyond, explaining Goa's interest in Ronaldo joining the squad.
Since joining Al Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has been more than a global star; he has become a symbol of a turning point for Saudi football. His presence raised competition and marketing standards across the club and the league, drawing unprecedented global attention to Saudi football. Yet more importantly, he has continued to prove that age is no barrier to making a difference on the pitch.
Central Role
Ronaldo plays a pivotal role in the Al Nassr lineup, combining goal-scoring flair with leadership. He typically operates as a classic central striker, yet he does not merely wait for service; he also helps build play with intelligent movement and precise deliveries to teammates.
His leadership on the field inspires resilience and comeback spirit and keeps constant pressure on opponents’ defenses with his energy and ability to seize half-chances.
Since joining, Ronaldo has played over 111 matches across competitions, scoring 98 goals—nearly a goal per game. In the Saudi Pro League, he has 74 goals in 77 appearances, including a 35-goal haul in 31 games during the 2023-2024 season. This season, he is on track to around 23 goals in 26 matches by mid-season, underlining his continued top-level form despite turning 39.
Ronaldo's impact goes beyond the field. He has lifted the market value of Al Nassr and the entire Saudi Pro League, attracting global media interest and fans worldwide, and convincing many big-name players to consider Saudi football a serious destination. With every match, Ronaldo demonstrates that his ambition and passion remain undiminished, turning his presence into a source of inspiration for a new generation of players and cementing Saudi football on the global map.
Outside the Lines
Since Ronaldo's January 2023 arrival, the Saudi league's market stature has surged, transforming from a regional competition to a global stage that attracts eye and ear from all continents. His signing helped the league's value triple within a year, as a wave of global stars followed him to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo’s presence gave Saudi clubs unprecedented commercial credibility before players and agents worldwide. Sponsorships, broadcasting deals, and global viewership surged, lifting revenues for the league and its teams. Additionally, investment firms saw Saudi football as real growth potential, making the league one of the most valuable outside Europe within two years of Ronaldo's arrival.
In short, the ACL story around Ronaldo is not just about goals; it is about a footballing and economic revolution that places Saudi Arabia at the heart of the global game.
Sniper punchline 1: If Ronaldo ever misses a sitter, the ball apologizes to the net. Sniper punchline 2: If you think your calendar is full, Ronaldo’s is the only one that still grows by 90 minutes every week.
