Can Ronaldo, the star of Al Nasr, play in India?

• Cristiano Ronaldo’s agreement  to Al Nassr has already surprised the football world.
• Al Nassr was unable to qualify for the AFC Champions League this season.
• Ronaldo to appear against an Indian club or play in India is the following season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s million-dollar transfer to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia has already surprised the football world. Ronaldo, one of the world’s greatest players, has signed a two-year contract extension with the club until June 2025, which will reportedly pay him $200 million per year.

His transfer to the West Asian club has now opened the door for him to play in India.

Saudi Arabian clubs are eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup because the country is Asian and a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

However, Al Nassr was unable to qualify for the AFC Champions League this season. At the same time, due to AFC regulations, India was denied direct entry to the tournament. From the 2024-25 season onwards, India will have two AFC Cup slots – one direct and one indirect.

With 29 points from 12 games, Al Nassr will need to win either the Saudi Pro League or the King Cup to qualify for the AFC Champions League, the top tier of Asian club football.

So, given that Al Nassr is affiliated with an Indian club or meeting later in the tournament, the best chance for Ronaldo to appear against an Indian club or play in India is the following season.

Both Indian and Saudi Arabian clubs are members of the AFC’s West Zone.

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