Ronaldo Targets Elusive Asian Champions League Crown

Cristiano Ronaldo will begin what could be his final bid for the Asian Champions League title on Monday as Al Nassr enter the continental competition among a strong group of Saudi Arabian clubs. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward, who has won five UEFA Champions League titles, said in August that the current season would probably be his last in football. Despite his decorated career, the Asian title remains one of the major honours missing from his collection. Al Nassr, now managed by former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, are second in the Saudi Pro League after six matches and will rely on Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in their continental campaign. Ronaldo has scored three goals in five league appearances this season.

Saudi clubs are expected to dominate the competition, with five representatives among the 32 teams. Al Hilal, coached by Simone Inzaghi, are among Al Nassr’s biggest challengers after strengthening their squad with England striker Ollie Watkins and Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli. Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ahli will be joined by Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah in the tournament, which has featured a centralised knockout stage in Saudi Arabia since its rebranding as the Champions League Elite in the 2024-25 season. Japan remains a major threat to Saudi dominance, with its clubs having reached the final in each of the last four editions. Five Japanese teams, including reigning domestic champions Kashima Antlers, will compete this season, although financial differences and the competition’s western-based knockout format could make the challenge more difficult.

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