Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo is set for another high-profile appearance in the UAE as Al Nassr travel to face Al Ain in their AFC Champions League Elite opener at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on September 15.

The Saudi champions will take on the UAE giants in Al Ain at 8pm, with the fixture confirmed on Al Ain’s official schedule as the club’s next AFC Champions League Elite match.

For football fans across the UAE, the encounter offers another opportunity to see one of the sport’s greatest players in action, and could carry added significance given Ronaldo’s recent comments about his future.

Ronaldo enters the continental campaign after helping Al Nassr end a seven-year wait for the Saudi Pro League title last season. The Riyadh club clinched the 2025/26 championship with a 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day, with Ronaldo scoring twice. He finished the league campaign with 28 goals as Al Nassr secured their first Saudi league crown since 2018/19.

One major continental prize, however, remains missing from his collection: the AFC Champions League Elite. Ronaldo and Al Nassr reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2024/25 before being eliminated by Kawasaki Frontale, and the Saudi side will be hoping to go further this time.

The September 15 clash also renews Al Nassr’s rivalry with Al Ain. The two clubs have met on the Asian stage before, including a commanding 5-1 Al Nassr victory during the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

UAE supporters who miss Ronaldo’s appearance in Al Ain may have another opportunity later in the season. Al Nassr are scheduled to travel to Dubai to face Shabab Al Ahli on February 15, 2027, at Rashid Stadium in another AFC Champions League Elite encounter.