Football fans in India were left disappointed after Cristiano Ronaldo decided not to travel with Al Nassr for their AFC Champions League 2 match against FC Goa on 22 October at the Fatorda Stadium. The 40-year-old Portuguese legend, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was not among the Al Nassr players who arrived in India on Monday night.
While the club did not issue an official statement, reports suggest Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr includes a clause allowing him to choose which matches to play outside Saudi Arabia. This could be the reason he skipped the trip to India, despite the massive anticipation surrounding his visit.
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The decision came as a big heartbreak for Goan and Indian football fans who were preparing to witness the global icon live. Even Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had expressed excitement, calling Ronaldo’s potential visit a “moment of great pride” for the state and a boost for sports tourism.
While Ronaldo gave India a miss, his long-time rival Lionel Messi is expected to visit in December 2025 for a three-day GOAT India Tour, covering Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
