Ronaldo will miss the AFC Champions League encounter against Al Nassr and Esteghlal in Iran. Portuguese footballer did not travel to Iran with Al Nassr for the AFC Champions League last 16 clash in Tehran after authorities denied the Saudi club’s neutral venue request. After the 2023 incident, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the Esteghlal match owing to security fears.
The 40-year-old visited Tehran in September 2023 after Al Nassr defeated Persepolis 2-0. The stadium was almost empty owing to a stadium ban, but thousands of fans flooded into the team hotel to see CR7. Since then, he called it “bad experience.” Iranian law considers his gesture adulterous and punishes him with 99 lashes for entering the country.
In a press conference, Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli remarked, “He (Ronaldo) had a physical problem. Though it wasn’t a major deal, we preferred him not to play. On Monday, March 3, 2025, Al Nassr will play Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League last 16.
