Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was always going to change the landscape of Asian football. But few expected just how big the ripple effect would be.
Two years after he stunned the world by joining Al Nassr, the club now heads into the newly revamped AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) with a squad that looks more like a European superteam than a side competing in Asia’s second-tier competition.
The official registration list is out, and the Al Nassr ACL2 squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo has already turned heads across the continent. From Ballon d’Or winners to Champions League veterans, the lineup is stacked.
And the buzz is only getting louder—especially in India, where fans are dreaming about seeing Ronaldo play live.
Al Nassr ACL2 Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo Leads the Charge
The big headline, of course, is Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the face of Al Nassr and continues to be the club’s biggest attraction. According to the official ACL2 registration, he is one of 12 foreign players included in the squad.
But this isn’t just a one-man show. Al Nassr have built a team loaded with proven winners. Alongside Ronaldo are:
- Sadio Mané – A Champions League and Premier League winner with Liverpool, still bringing energy and goals.
- Kingsley Coman – The man who won league titles in every country he played in: France, Italy, Germany. Add 21 trophies with Bayern Munich alone.
- João Félix – Former Chelsea forward, now making waves in Riyadh with a debut hat-trick in the Saudi Pro League.
- Marcelo Brozović – Croatian midfield general, known for his work rate and big-game pedigree.
- Ângelo Gabriel & Wesley Gassova – Brazil’s next-gen attackers, bringing flair to the Saudi giants.
- Otávio (Portugal) and Inigo Martínez (Spain) – Both seasoned internationals who add depth.
- Mohamed Simakan (France) – Strong, versatile defender ready to bolster the backline.
- Bento Matheus Krepski (Brazil) – A young goalkeeper with rising reputation.
And then there’s Aymeric Laporte. The Spanish international’s move back to LaLiga with Athletic Club was initially blocked by FIFA due to paperwork issues. But with clearance now confirmed, Laporte is back on the books in Spain, leaving Al Nassr without one of their biggest defensive names. Still, the squad remains stacked.
What is ACL 2?
Think of it as the Europa League of Asian football: still fiercely competitive, with plenty of historic clubs, but one level below the AFC Champions League Elite.
This year’s edition features 11 debutant clubs, making it one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent history. Al Nassr, thanks to their star power, will enter as clear favourites, but the structure ensures no easy ride.
The competition is split into eight groups across two regions, with plenty of travel, tricky away grounds, and hostile atmospheres awaiting even the most decorated superstars.
India on the Map: FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Enter the Mix
For the first time ever, ACL2 will feature not one, but two Indian clubs in the group stage. That alone is historic.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant: The reigning ISL champions, who earned a direct group stage spot. They begin their campaign in Kolkata against Turkmenistan’s Ahal FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
- FC Goa: Having beaten Al Seeb of Oman in the playoffs, they find themselves drawn into Group D—the same group as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
Goa’s group includes:
- Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) – Tournament favourites, led by Ronaldo.
- Al Zawraa (Iraq) – A seasoned ACL campaigner, making their sixth appearance.
- FC Istiklol (Tajikistan) – A side known for pulling off surprises on the continental stage.
The fixtures have already been circled on calendars. On October 22, Al Nassr are set to face FC Goa at Fatorda Stadium in Goa, before the reverse fixture in Riyadh on November 5.
For Indian football fans, the idea of Ronaldo stepping out on Indian soil has sparked a frenzy like never before.
Why Al Nassr Are Favourites
It’s not just the presence of Ronaldo that makes Al Nassr favourites—it’s the sheer depth of their squad.
They’ve built a team with balance: experienced champions, youthful talent, and players who’ve thrived at the very top of European football. When you combine that with the financial backing of the Saudi Pro League and the momentum of their domestic performances, it’s hard to see anyone matching them man-for-man.
But ACL2 isn’t only about names. Long travel, unfamiliar conditions, and the hunger of underdog sides often make life difficult for favourites. And that’s where the story gets interesting.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play in India?
Here’s the million-dollar question.
When FC Goa were drawn into the same group as Al Nassr, Indian fans erupted with excitement. For many, this looked like the once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play live in India.
But there’s a catch. Rumours suggest Ronaldo may not travel to certain away games, particularly in the early group stages. His registration confirms he is part of the Al Nassr ACL2 squad, but it doesn’t guarantee he’ll appear in Goa.
Still, hope remains. The fixture against Goa comes early in the campaign, when points are crucial. That increases the chances that Ronaldo will make the trip. For Indian football, it could be the most iconic club match ever hosted on home soil.
Conclusion
Al Nassr squad which Cristiano Ronaldo leads into ACL2 isn’t just a lineup—it’s a statement. Saudi Arabia’s football revolution continues to gather pace, and with global icons like Ronaldo, Mané, and Coman registered, Al Nassr have set the benchmark.
For Indian fans, this year’s tournament carries extra excitement. With Mohun Bagan and FC Goa both in the group stage, and the possibility of seeing Ronaldo in Goa, ACL2 feels bigger than ever before.
Whether or not the Portuguese legend steps onto the pitch in India, one thing’s certain: this edition of ACL2 will be remembered as the moment the competition—and Al Nassr—took things to a whole new level.
