The AFC Champions League group stage draw for the 2023/24 season has brought together some of the biggest names in world football, adding a new level of excitement and international interest to the competition.

In the West Zone, Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and vice-captain Sadio Mane, will make their debut in the Asian Champions League group stages. They will face Iranian giants Persepolis FC, Qatar’s Al Duhail SC, and newcomers FC Istiklol from Tajikistan.

Al Hilal, another Saudi club, will feature stars like Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aleksander Mitrovic. They will compete against Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran FC, India’s Mumbai City FC, and Navbahor of Uzbekistan.

Al Ittihad, with new additions like Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema, will take on Sepahan SC of Iran, Iraq’s Air Force Club, and Uzbekistan’s AGMK FC.

The East Zone will see strong clubs from Japan and South Korea, as well as renewed challenges from Australia and the return of Chinese clubs to the competition.

Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, the defending champions, will begin their title defense against China PR’s Wuhan Three Towns FC, former champions Pohang Steelers of South Korea, and Vietnam’s Hanoi FC.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of South Korea, two-time winners of the tournament, will face Thailand’s Bangkok United, Lion City Sailors of Singapore, and Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC. Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan will compete against Shandong Taishan of China PR, the Philippines’ Kaya FC-Iloilo, and Incheon United of South Korea.

Ulsan Hyundai, another South Korean powerhouse and double winner, will take on Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Thailand’s BG Pathum United.

The AFC Champions League group stage promises to be an exciting and competitive affair, with some of the world’s top football talents gracing the tournament.