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One of the greats of the game of football, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to visit India later this year after his Saudi Pro League club - Al Nassr was drawn in Group D for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two 2025-26. The 40-year-old, who recently hogged limelight after officially extending a proposal to his longtime girlfriend and partner Georgina Rodriquez, is likely to visit India.
It is to be noted that the draws for the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 took place in Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday, August 15. Al Nassr FC, one of the giants of the Saudi Pro League have been drawn in Group D alongside AL Zawraa FC, FC Istiklol and FC Goa. The only second Indian team in the competition, Mohun Bagan Giant have been drawn in Group C with Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC of Iran, Al Hussein of Jordan, Ahal FC of Turkmenistan.
Cristinao Ronaldo unlikely to visit India; know why
However, since the draws were announced, the Indian football fans could not contain their excitement of Ronaldo’s likely visit to India. While the exxpectations are high with other big names like Joao Felix, Marcelo Brozovic also in contention - it remains doubtful of Ronaldo to travel to India.
If reports are to be believed, Ronaldo has a clause in his contract with Al-Nassr which stated that the Portuguese superstar could skip away matches in the tournament. However, there isn’t any official confirmation on the same, but it comes after he was seen playing just one away game in the AFC Champions League last year.
AFC Champions League Two Group Stage Draws
Group A: Al Wasl FC (UAE), Esteghlal FC (IRN), Al Muharraq SC (BHR), Al Wehdat (JOR)
Group B: Al Ahli SC (QAT), PFC Andijon (UZB), FC Arkadag (TKM), Al Khaldiya SC (BHR)
Group C: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC (IRN), Al Hussein (JOR), Mohun Bagan Super Giant (IND), Ahal FC (TKM)
Group D: Al Nassr Club (KSA), Al Zawraa SC (IRQ), FC Istiklol (TJK), FC Goa (IND)
Group E: Beijing FC (CHN), Macarthur FC (AUS), Tai Po FC (HKG), Cong An Ha Noi FC (VIE)
Group F: Gamba Osaka (JPN), Nam Dinh FC (VIE), Ratchaburi FC (THA), Eastern FC (HKG)
Group G: Bangkok United (THA), Selangor FC (MAS), Lion City Sailors FC (SGP), Persib Bandung (IDN)
Group H: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR), BG Pathum United (THA), Kaya FC-Iloilo (PHI), Tampines Rovers FC (SGP)
