Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Al Nassr vs FC Istiklol in the AFC Champions League 2?

Al Nassr will aim to start its continental campaign on a strong note when it hosts Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday. The Saudi club, a semifinalist in last season’s Champions League Elite, has been drawn in Group D alongside Syria’s Al-Zawraa, Istiklol, and India’s FC Goa. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr lost the Saudi Super Cup final last month to Al-Ahli Saudi FC but has since bounced back with two wins, with its captain scoring in the victory over Al Taawoun.

ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Portugal captain moved to the Saudi side after terminating his contract at Manchester United and has 95 goals and 20 assists in 109 appearances for Nassr.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in Al Nassr vs FC Istiklol in AFC Champions League Two?

Ronaldo, a fixture in Nassr’s attack over the past two seasons, has reportedly been left out of the squad by head coach Jorge Jesus, according to Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah.

While no official reason has been given, the move may reflect the rise of Joao Felix — the 24-year-old forward has scored four goals in as many games.

At 40, Ronaldo may also be managing his workload with an eye on staying fit for next year’s FIFA World Cup, potentially opting to be selective with his appearances.

Published on Sep 17, 2025