Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, will make another attempt to win the Asian Champions League when the continent’s elite club competition gets underway on Monday, with Saudi Arabian sides expected to be among the leading contenders.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr forward, who has won five UEFA Champions League titles during an illustrious career, is yet to lift the Asian crown. Ronaldo said in August that the current campaign could “probably my last year in football”.
Ronaldo will begin the campaign under new Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, the former Tottenham boss who was dismissed by the English club in June 2025 despite guiding them to Europa League success.
The Riyadh-based side also boast considerable attacking strength, with former Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, Senegal international Sadio Mane and Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Joao Felix among their key players.
Al Nassr are currently second in the Saudi Pro League after six matches, behind Al Hilal only on goal difference, while Ronaldo has scored three goals in five league appearances.
However, Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal are expected to pose a major challenge to Ronaldo’s hopes.
The Saudi giants strengthened significantly during the recent transfer window, signing England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for a combined $150m.
Saudi Arabia will have five representatives in the 32-team competition, with Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah all involved.
The tournament has been known as the Champions League Elite since the 2024/25 season, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final staged at a centralised venue in Saudi Arabia.
Al Ahli won the previous two editions, taking advantage of home support to claim the title in 2025 and 2026.
Their latest triumph came against Japan’s Machida Zelvia, whom they defeated 1-0 after extra time in April’s final in Jeddah, with England striker Ivan Toney leading their attack.
Japanese clubs are expected to provide the strongest challenge to Saudi dominance, having reached the final in each of the last four editions.
Five J.League sides will participate this season, including reigning domestic champions Kashima Antlers.
Former Kashima star, Yasushi Endo acknowledged the financial advantage enjoyed by Saudi clubs but stressed the importance of Japanese supporters.
“It’s difficult for Japanese teams to be champions these days given the financial strength of teams in the West who can invest heavily in players that traditionally play in strong European leagues,” he said.
“With the tournament being played in a centralised format in the West, it also makes things extra difficult.
“We cannot underplay the importance of having large fan support.”
