FC Goa are set to face Al Nassr in their third AFC Champions League 2 Group D fixture on Wednesday. The much-awaited match will take place at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao, Goa.
Indian football fans are excited about the possibility of seeing Cristiano Ronaldo play in India. However, there is still no official confirmation on whether the Portuguese legend will be part of Al Nassr’s squad for the upcoming game.
No Confirmation Yet on Ronaldo’s India Visit
Earlier reports suggested that Ronaldo had applied for an Indian visa for the match. But according to the latest updates from Saudi Arabian media, despite multiple requests from FC Goa, Ronaldo will not travel to India for the game.
The star forward was not in Al Nassr’s squad for their first two AFC Champions League 2 matches. He has been carefully managing his workload as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to The Indian Express, FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur said,
“We do not have any clarity at present. His team has said they are exploring options and they will take a decision closer to time. We are following up and yet to get confirmation. As part of the protocol, every visiting club sends a list of their travelling contingent for visa applications, and in that squad of 28 players, Ronaldo’s application is also included.”
This statement shows that while Ronaldo’s name is part of the visa list, it does not guarantee his arrival in India.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo continues to focus on both club and international football. Speaking to A BOLA, Portugal coach Ricardo Carvalho, who works with Roberto Martinez, shared his thoughts on Ronaldo’s future with the national team.
“I feel like it will be as long as he wants. The truth is, he’s earned so much credit over all these years… And I think he’s doing well, which is the most important thing. It helps; you feel like he’s part of the team, and you feel like he can help. Coach Roberto, especially, had all the merit in bringing him back to the national team after the 2022 World Cup. The coach’s feeling, in the meetings we’ve had, is that Cristiano will be capable of making it to the World Cup.”
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“I have no idea how long he can go, if there’s a limit or not, but we’re all very happy that he’s our captain and leading the team the way he has.”
For now, Indian fans will have to wait a little longer to know if Cristiano Ronaldo will make his long-awaited visit to India.
