Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest athletes of all time, is making a bold move beyond the football pitch—into the world of esports. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has officially been named the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), bringing his unmatched global presence to one of the most ambitious esports events in history.
While this announcement marks a new chapter, Ronaldo’s connection with EWC isn’t entirely new. He’s been involved since the very beginning, playing a role in the global unveiling of the Esports World Cup in 2023 and even attending last year’s closing ceremony to celebrate Team Falcons’ historic win. This year, however, his involvement goes even further. In a first for the football legend, Ronaldo will be featured as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the tournament’s featured titles—blending the worlds of sport and gaming in unexpected and exciting ways.
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According to Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), Ronaldo is a unique figure who bridges generations and passions. “Cristiano Ronaldo resonates across generations—from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging esports competitors. His relentless pursuit of excellence aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Esports World Cup,” Reichert stated.
Under the theme Rise Above, Ronaldo will headline the EWC’s global campaign to inspire new audiences to embrace the competitive spirit of esports. With over a billion followers across social media, his reach is expected to bring significant attention to the evolving landscape of professional gaming.
“Sports continue to evolve, and esports represents the next frontier,” Ronaldo said. “The dedication, skill, and drive of these athletes mirror what I’ve experienced throughout my career. I’m proud to stand alongside them.”
The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to take place over seven weeks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is poised to become the largest celebration of esports in history. The event will feature 25 tournaments across 24 titles, bringing together 2,000 players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, with a total prize pool exceeding USD 70 million.
Tickets are now available at esportsworldcup.com. For those who want to revisit the story of the inaugural EWC, the five-part docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up, directed by Emmy Award-winner R.J. Cutler, is streaming on Prime Video.
With Cristiano Ronaldo officially on board, the Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be more than just a tournament—it’s a defining moment where the worlds of traditional sports and competitive gaming converge.