Renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC).
The footballer originally gained notoriety for his time with Manchester United, before leaping to superstardom while playing for Real Madrid.
Ronaldo’s inclusion as a major household name is helping connect fans to the next generation of esports athletes, according to the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
The news comes after the recent announcement of its Street Fighter 6 tournament, with a prize pool of $50k (~£37k).
Ronaldo’s appointment marks a defining milestone for the Esports World Cup and signals the continued rise of competitive gaming as a global sport.
A five-time Ballon d’Or winner and a symbol of elite performance, Ronaldo brings a powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports, helping connect millions of fans to the next generation of esports athletes.
Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging competitors.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation
His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players.
As Global Ambassador, he bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming, helping spotlight the next generation of athletes competing for global glory.
We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for esports.
Ronaldo has already played a formative role in the evolution of the Esports World Cup after participating in the global announcement of the creation of EWC in 2023.
He also attended last summer’s Closing Ceremony in Riyadh, where he celebrated Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship win.
With unmatched reach and fan engagement across every major platform, Ronaldo has helped elevate EWC’s profile since its inception.
As Global Ambassador, Ronaldo will be at the forefront of the EWC’s global campaign leading up to and throughout the seven-week competition in Riyadh.
He also stars as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 tournament titles in this year’s Esports World Cup games lineup.
With a social media following of over one billion, Ronaldo’s voice will help bring the tournament to new audiences and introduce the next generation of fans to the elite players of competitive gaming.
Ronaldo’s participation will also highlight the Esports World Cup’s 2025 theme, “Rise Above”.
Designed to celebrate unlocking human potential, pushing the boundaries and going beyond the norms in the pursuit of greatness, according to the organisers, EWCF.
Sport is always evolving – and esports is one more frontier
Cristiano Ronaldo
The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in esports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch.
I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion.
The tournament was recently the main focus of the Amazon Prime documentary, Esports World Cup: Level Up, which followed the tournament and its personalities.
However, the location of Saudi Arabia and the inclusion of the Saudi Arabian government have caused uproar online due to their human rights record.
The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward esports organisations and players competing across multiple esports titles.
Bringing together esports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.
The EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70m (£54.8m) prize pool.
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Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with many incredible individuals who continue to humble me to this day. Because of them, I’ve had the energy to turn a hobby into a career. I work to honour those who have given me a chance and thrive thanks to the community.
Email: [email protected]
