Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo is stepping into a new arena, but this time not on a football pitch. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has announced that he will be the global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025. The Portuguese forward shared the update on his official social media pages, saying he's proud to stand beside esports athletes who are inspiring the next generation. The news has created a huge buzz across both football and gaming circles, with fans excited to see the Al Nassr star championing the world of esports.
The upcoming Esports World Cup will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24. With a massive $70 million prize pool and 25 competitive games on show, it is set to be one of the biggest esports tournaments in history. Ronaldo's involvement only adds more star power and global attention to the event.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues pushing esports into the spotlight
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In his post, Ronaldo praised the drive and intensity shown by esports athletes and called it no different from what he has seen in traditional sports. He has been connected to gaming for years, having worked with Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer, and supported UFL, a Japanese football game that launched last year. Earlier in 2025, he even became a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which will also feature in the Esports World Cup.
Ronaldo, who turns 40 this year, is still going strong in football. He helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League earlier this year by scoring in the final against Spain. His club form with Al Nassr has kept him in the spotlight as he balances football and now a bigger role in esports.
The Esports World Cup is more than just a tournament, rather it's a celebration of global gaming. With Ronaldo now leading the charge as its ambassador, the event is expected to draw attention from fans around the world who might be watching competitive gaming for the very first time.
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