Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo eyes Asian glory as he prepares for Japan test

Al Nassr striker may have won Champions League five times but has never triumphed in Asia's top club competition

By AFP
March 17, 2025
Al Nassrs Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Saudi Pro League match against Al Wehda at King Abdul Aziz Stadium, Makkah, Saudi Arabia on February 25, 2025. — Reuters
Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Saudi Pro League match against Al Wehda at King Abdul Aziz Stadium, Makkah, Saudi Arabia on February 25, 2025. — Reuters

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi side Al Nassr are set to face Japan's Yokohama F-Marinos, last season's runners-up, in the quarter-finals of the rebranded Asian Champions League .

The match is scheduled for next month in Jeddah, marking a crucial moment for the veteran striker who has won the UEFA Champions League five times but seeks his first Asian title.

The 40-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or award winner is expected to lead his team against Yokohama, managed by Steve Holland, formerly Gareth Southgate's assistant with England.

The quarter-finals, semis and final of the tournament, which has been rebranded the Champions League Elite, will all take place in the Saudi city of Jeddah over one leg.

Al Nassr or Yokohama will play the winners of the last-eight clash between Japan's Kawasaki Frontale and Al Sadd of Qatar.

Four-time Asian champions Al Hilal, also of Saudi Arabia, face South Korea's Gwangju FC in the quarter-finals.

The winner will face Thailand's Buriram United or Al Ahli, also of Saudi Arabia, in the semi-finals.

All four quarter-finals take place on April 25-27.

The semi-finals are on April 29 and April 30. The final is on May 3.