Suspense Over Cristiano Ronaldo's India Visit Continues As Visa Application Filed But Saudi Media Claims He Won't Travel

Last Updated:October 20, 2025, 10:01 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to travel to India for Al-Nassr's AFC Champions League 2 match against FC Goa, despite fan hopes and FC Goa's requests, as per Al Riyadhiah.

Cristiano Ronaldo's potential visit to India was hailed as "historic". (AP Photo)

Will he, won’t he? That’s the question on every Indian football fan as they wait with bated breath on an official confirmation if they will get to witness one of the greatest footballers in history, Cristiano Ronaldo, in flesh. There are reports of the football icon having applied for Indian visa for Al-Nassr’s Asian AFC Champions League 2 away match against FC Goa slated for October 22. However, if a latest report is to be believed, the Portuguese is expected to not travel to India for the contest.

Saud-based newspaper Al Riyadhiah reports that despite multiple requests from FC Goa, Ronaldo will not fly down to India for the Champions League 2 match.

Evern since Saudi Arbaia’s Al-Nassr and Indian Super League’s FC Goa were drawn in Group D of the continental tournament, anticipations were high for Ronaldo’s maiden India visit which was hailed as “historic" and “once-in-a-lifetime" event.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment for FC Goa," FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur had told AP. “To host Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the biggest game in Indian club football history."

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Will Not Travel To India?

No particular reason has been cited behind the 40-year-old’s refusal even though there have been unconfirmed reports that his contract with Al-Nassr has a clause giving him right to pick and choose matches outside Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, thanks to his age and desire to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ronaldo is careful about his workload management.

There’s also the fact that Al-Nassr have won both their group-stage fixtures of Asian AFC Champions League 2 in the absence of Ronaldo and look set to advance to the next round.

Also, Al-Nassr will be taking on rivals Al Ittihad in a round of 16 clash of the Kings Cup next week (October 28).

“We do not have any clarity at present," Puskur told The Indian Express. “His team has said they are exploring options and they will take a decision closer to time. We are following up and yet to get confirmation. As part of the protocol, every visiting club sends a list of their travelling contingent for visa applications, and in that squad of 28 players, Ronaldo’s application is also included."

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

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News sports Suspense Over Cristiano Ronaldo's India Visit Continues As Visa Application Filed But Saudi Media Claims He Won't Travel

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