Al Nassr will look to begin its continental campaign this season on a high as it hosts FC Istiklol from Tajikistan in the AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday.
Nassr, which finished as a semifinalist in Champions League Elite last season, has been drawn in Group D with Syria’s Al-Zawraa, Istiklol and FC Goa from India.
The team, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, was lost the Saudi Super Cup final last month — Al-Ahli Saudi FC — but has won two matches since, with its captain scoring in one of them—the match against Al Taawoun.
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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?
Though Ronaldo has been a mainstay in Nassr’s attack over the last two seasons, head coach Jorge Jesus has reportedly left him out of the squad, according to Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah.
Though the exact reason for his exclusion is not out, the decision could have been influenced by the rising prominence of an alternative No. 9 in Joao Felix, a younger forward with four goals in as many appearances.
Secondly, with age not on his side — Ronaldo is 40 years old now — the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would look to remain in shape for the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year, which could see him pick and choose his games this season.
Published on Sep 17, 2025
