Ronaldo Takes Last Crack at Asian Glory as Saudi Teams Set to Dominate
Al-Ahli seeks a third straight title as Saudi clubs spend more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023.
- The 32-team Asian Champions League begins next week, with Saudi Pro League clubs including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and defending champion Al-Ahli in focus. Al-Ahli starts its title defense against Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan in the western zone.
- Saudi clubs have invested more than $2 billion on foreign players since 2023, fueling regional dominance. Al-Ahli captain and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stated the team is "the biggest club in Saudi Arabia and Asia."
- Al-Hilal enters with high expectations after spending more than $200 million on international stars. Al-Ittihad, winner in 2004 and 2005, aims for a third continental crown, while Al-Qadsiah debuts under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
- Due to regional tensions, Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Tractor will host home matches in neutral countries. Esteghlal plays Al-Sadd in the Iraqi city of Basra, while Tractor travels to Dubai to face Shabab Al-Ahli.
- Japan and South Korea field five representatives each, including past champions Gamba Osaka, Kashima Antlers, and Pohang Steelers. Japanese clubs seek to improve after losing the last two finals to Al-Ahli.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The Express Tribune
Islamabad PostRonaldo eyes Asian glory
Al Nassr’s Portuguese star is chasing a long-awaited continental crown
Radio France Internationale
Ronaldo takes last crack at Asian glory as Saudi teams set to dominate
The 41-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar said in August that it was "probably my last year in football". The Portuguese attacker has nearly won it all during his club career, including five UEFA Champions League crowns. But the Asian Champions League has so far eluded the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. His Al Nassr side go into the latest continental campaign under a new coach in former Tottenham manager Ange P…
Winnipeg Free Press
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr begins Asian Champions League bid as Saudi clubs chase 3rd straight title
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — What could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last chance to win a first Asian Champions League title for his Saudi club will get underway next week.
Ronaldo eyes final shot at Asian Champions League glory - TV360 Nigeria
Cristiano Ronaldo will make another attempt to claim the Asian Champions League title when the continent’s premier club competition gets underway on Monday, with Saudi Arabia’s big-spending clubs expected to lead the charge. The 41-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward said in August that it was “probably my last year in football”. …
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