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Cristiano Ronaldo could soon be stepping onto Indian soil for a competitive club match. On Friday, the AFC Champions League Two group stage draw threw up a mouth-watering possibility for Indian football fans: Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian powerhouse featuring the Portuguese legend, has been placed in Group D alongside Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa.
The draw means Goa will share the group with not just one of the biggest names in football history, but also with Iraq’s Al Zawraa SC and Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol. For fans in India, it’s a potential once-in-a-generation chance to see one of the most decorated players of all time in action on home turf.
However, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming large and Ronaldo’s workload being carefully managed at 40 years of age, the big question is whether he will make the trip for the away fixture in India. Al Nassr’s schedule is expected to be packed, with domestic league commitments, continental matches, and national team obligations possibly influencing the decision.
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FC Goa’s Road to the Group Stage
For FC Goa, the achievement of making it to the group stage comes at a time of both celebration and uncertainty. On Wednesday, they overcame Oman champions Al-Seeb 2-1 in a tense one-match preliminary stage showdown.
Goals from Dejan Dražić and Javier Siverio sealed the victory for the Gaurs, but the match was far from straightforward. Goa had to withstand a late surge from Al-Seeb, who threatened to equalise in both halves.
This triumph also had a touch of personal redemption for head coach Manolo Marquez. It was his first competitive outing since a brief and underwhelming stint as the head coach of the Indian national team. Leading Goa to the group stage of Asia’s second-tier continental competition offers him a chance to reshape perceptions and rebuild his managerial reputation.
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Another Indian Representative in the Mix
It’s not just FC Goa flying the Indian flag in the tournament. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, one of the country’s most storied clubs, will compete in Group C alongside:
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Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC (Iran)
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Al Hussein (Jordan)
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Ahal FC (Turkmenistan)
Mohun Bagan qualified directly for the group stage by winning the ISL title last season, demonstrating consistency over a grueling domestic campaign. The inclusion of two Indian clubs in the group stages reflects the growing competitiveness of the nation’s football scene, though the challenges ahead are steep.
The Tournament Timeline
The AFC Champions League Two group stage is set to run from September 16 to December 24, 2025. The knockout rounds will follow in early 2026
For Indian teams, advancing from the group stage will require not just strong home performances but also resilience in challenging away conditions across West and Central Asia.
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Al Nassr: Star Power and High Expectations
Al Nassr’s presence in the tournament naturally draws attention because of Cristiano Ronaldo. Since joining the club in late 2022, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has transformed the team into a global brand, attracting fans and media attention well beyond Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr also boasts a roster stacked with talent, including Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Mohamed Simakan, and several other high-profile signings. The team reached the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League last season, and they will be aiming to go deep again — especially with Ronaldo still proving decisive in big moments, as seen in his recent match-winner against Al Rayyan in a friendly.
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Could Ronaldo Really Play in India?
For Indian football fans, the prospect of seeing Ronaldo live is thrilling. The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata hosted Lionel Messi in a friendly back in 2011, but competitive matches involving players of this calibre have been rare.
However, the reality is that player workload management could keep Ronaldo out of at least one group-stage away match. Al Nassr will have to juggle their domestic Saudi Pro League schedule, cup competitions, and travel demands. Given Ronaldo’s age and the proximity of the World Cup qualifiers, Al Nassr’s coaching staff might choose to rest him for games deemed less decisive.
Still, the commercial and emotional appeal of Ronaldo playing in India might sway the decision. It would be a landmark event for the Indian football market, potentially drawing sell-out crowds and massive media coverage.
FC Goa’s Challenge Ahead
For Goa, this group represents a significant step up in competition. Al Zawraa SC brings deep AFC competition experience from Iraq, while FC Istiklol has been a consistent presence in Asian tournaments, often punching above their weight.
Head coach Marquez will need to balance tactical discipline with creativity. Goa’s attacking options, led by Dražić and Siverio, showed promise against Al-Seeb, but the defensive line will face far sterner tests against the likes of Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s forward line.
The Gaurs will also need to maximise home advantage. Playing in familiar conditions, in front of a passionate crowd at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, could be decisive in earning crucial points.
Indian Football’s Growing Continental Footprint
The inclusion of two Indian clubs in the AFC Champions League Two group stages signals steady progress for Indian football on the continental stage. While the top-tier AFC Champions League remains a step above in quality, the second tier offers valuable experience against varied Asian styles — from West Asian physicality to Central Asian tactical structures.
Success in this competition could improve India’s AFC club ranking, potentially leading to more direct qualification slots in future seasons. For players, it’s a chance to test themselves against higher-calibre opposition, and for coaches, it’s an opportunity to adapt strategies against teams with different footballing cultures.
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The Redemption Arc for Manolo Marquez
Marquez’s journey adds an intriguing subplot. His brief stint as India’s head coach earlier in the year ended without much success, leaving many doubting his fit for the national setup. But at club level, with a squad he has helped assemble and a playing style he believes in, Marquez appears far more comfortable.
His ability to blend domestic talent with foreign recruits will be critical. If Goa can produce a disciplined, resilient campaign, Marquez’s stock could rise sharply — and with it, the credibility of Indian coaching appointments in high-pressure scenarios.
Looking Ahead
The group stage fixtures are yet to be finalised, but excitement is already building. Whether or not Cristiano Ronaldo ultimately plays in India, his mere presence in FC Goa’s group elevates the competition’s profile. For Mohun Bagan, facing strong West and Central Asian opponents will be equally daunting and inspiring.
For Indian football as a whole, the 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two campaign offers more than just matches — it offers a platform to showcase the country’s footballing growth, to inspire young players, and to prove that Indian clubs can stand toe-to-toe with Asia’s finest.
Come mid-September, all eyes will be on the opening group games. And perhaps, just perhaps, on a Portuguese No. 7 making his way onto an Indian pitch, giving fans a moment they will talk about for decades.
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