The draw for the group stage of the second AFC Champions League of the 2025/26 season once again brought Tajikistan's champions together with one of the most stellar clubs in Asia, Saudi Al–Nasr, for which Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team and multiple winner of the Golden Ball, plays.
For Istiqlol, this will be the second consecutive appearance in the same group with the team from Riyadh. In 2023, Ronaldo did not come to Dushanbe – then the meeting in Saudi Arabia was held in the final round, and the coaching staff of Al–Nasr gave the leader a rest.
Now, the fans hope that the tournament calendar will allow them to see the Portuguese legend live at the Central Republican Stadium. "Asia–Plus" examines the issue of his possible visit.
Composition of group D
In addition to Al–Nasr, the silver medalist of the Iraqi championship Al–Zawraa and Indian Goa, the winner of the national cup, were included in the D quartet. Both opponents do not have such big names in the squad, but they are known for their organized play and the ability to use standard positions.
For Istiklol, the task is obvious – to compete for the second place, which gives a chance to advance to the next stage, and try to take points from the group favorite. In home matches, the support of the stands can play a key role.
Group draw results (Western Zone)
Group A: Al–Wasl (UAE), Esteghlal (Iran), Al–Muharraq (Bahrain), Al–Wehdat (Jordan).
Group B: Al–Ahli (Qatar), Andijan (Uzbekistan), Arkadag (Turkmenistan), Al–Khaldiya (Bahrain).
Group C: Sepahan (Iran), Al–Hussein (Jordan), Mohun Bagan (India), Akhal (Turkmenistan).
Group D: Al–Nasr (Saudi Arabia), Al–Zawraa (Iraq), Istiqlol (Tajikistan), Goa (India).
Separately, it should be noted that the only Central Asian derby in the group stage will be the meeting of Andijan and Arkadag in Group B.
A historic chance for Dushanbe
Matches with top Asian clubs are not only a sports project, but also an image project. The reception of Al–Nasr with Ronaldo in the squad may become the largest football event in the history of independent Tajikistan. If the meeting does take place in Dushanbe, it will attract the attention of the media and fans not only in the region, but also around the world.
Will Cristiano Ronaldo come to Dushanbe? His arrival will require serious preparation and fulfillment of a number of conditions.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a football player, but a global star, around whom there is always increased attention. The organizers must ensure: enhanced security measures at all stages of the visit – from the airport to the stadium; secure transfer and accommodation in a 5–star hotel with VIP conditions; separate access areas for the Al–Nasr team and Ronaldo himself in order to minimize contacts outside scheduled events.
AFC and the Al–Nasr Club place high demands on stadiums: modern turf and high-quality lighting; comfortable locker rooms with a separate recovery area; technical equipment for international HD/4K broadcasts.
The Al–Nasr team needs a direct charter or a comfortable connecting flight from Saudi Arabia. At this stage, it is important to: suggest the optimal route with minimal travel time; provide a separate corridor at Dushanbe airport for security control; arrange a secure transfer from the plane to the hotel.
Ronaldo's visit is a huge image project. To make it happen: you need to coordinate the schedule, press approaches and fan meetings in advance; plan a ticket sales campaign, including VIP boxes; attract sponsors who are willing to invest in the brand marketing of the match.
The motivation factor also plays a role. Cristiano Ronaldo, like any top athlete, appreciates the serious attitude of the opponent and the atmosphere in the stadium. If Istiklol approaches the match in optimal shape and provides a full house, this will be an additional incentive for his personal presence and a full-fledged game.
Ronaldo's arrival in Dushanbe is not a matter of a single invitation. This is a complex job that includes safety, comfort, infrastructure, logistics, marketing, and sports interest. With proper organization and fulfillment of all requirements, the world football star can enter the field in the capital of Tajikistan this fall. If, of course, he wants it himself.
