Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel to Iraq for Al Nassr’s opening match of the Asian Champions League due to a viral infection. The club confirmed on Sunday that the 38-year-old forward is unwell and needs to rest, forcing him to miss the game against Iraqi side Al Shorta. Al Nassr’s first match in this year’s competition is set to take place this week, but Ronaldo’s absence is a setback for the team.
A statement from Al Nassr posted on social media read, “Cristiano Ronaldo was diagnosed with a viral infection and needs to rest. He will not travel with the team to Iraq today. We wish our captain a speedy recovery.”
Pursuit of Asian Champions League title for Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2023, has been eager to add the prestigious Asian Champions League title to his list of career achievements. After leading the team to the quarter-finals last season, he is determined to help Al Nassr secure victory in the newly revamped “Asian Champions League Elite.” However, his health condition means that his debut in this year’s tournament will have to wait.
The competition begins on Monday with 24 teams divided into East and West zones. Teams will compete in the group stages before the top eight from each zone advance to the knockout rounds, leading to a mini-tournament in Saudi Arabia in April 2025 to crown the champions.
Saudi Clubs aiming for Continental success
Al Nassr, along with other Saudi Arabian clubs like Al Hilal and Al Ahli, have become major contenders in the competition, thanks to heavy investments in top players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. The Saudi Pro League has attracted numerous international stars in recent years, as the nation also prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo’s absence in the opening match may be a blow for Al Nassr, but the team remains a strong contender in the tournament. The club and its supporters will be hoping for Ronaldo’s swift recovery, as he continues his pursuit of more silverware on the Asian stage.
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