The reason behind Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo's refusal to travel with Al-Nassr to Iran for their AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Esteghlal is tied to potential legal issues.
In 2023, Ronaldo met and embraced an Iranian artist with disabilities and then kissed her.
Such displays of affection toward unfamiliar women are strictly prohibited in Iran; Ronaldo risked facing imprisonment or 99 lashes upon re-entering the country. To avoid these consequences, he missed the match on March 3, which ended in a goalless draw.
Ronaldo has been playing for Al-Nassr since January 2023, appearing in 94 matches for the club, scoring 83 goals, and providing 19 assists.
Previously, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo stated in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that he does not consider Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest footballer in history.
