LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the tournament鈥檚 organizers announced on Friday.

The Esports World Cup Foundation said the Portuguese football legend鈥檚 appointment marked a 鈥渄efining milestone鈥� in the evolution of the tournament and the rise of e-sports as a global force.

A five-time Ballon d鈥橭r winner and one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Ronaldo brings what the foundation described as 鈥渁 powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports,鈥� helping connect millions of fans to a new generation of e-sports athletes.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: 鈥淐ristiano Ronaldo connects generations 鈥� from lifelong football fans to today鈥檚 emerging competitors.

鈥淗is 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鈥檙e humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for e-sports.鈥�

Ronaldo has been involved with the EWC since its inception. He took part in the global announcement of the competition in 2023 and attended last summer鈥檚 closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he joined in celebrations for Team Falcons鈥� historic Club Championship victory.

As a global ambassador he will headline the tournament鈥檚 global promotional campaign in the lead-up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival taking place this summer in Riyadh.

He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup.

With a combined social media following of over 1 billion, Ronaldo鈥檚 involvement is expected to amplify the EWC鈥檚 global reach and help introduce new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming.

Ronaldo said: 鈥淪port is always evolving and e-sports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in e-sports athletes is no different from what I鈥檝e experienced on the pitch. I鈥檓 proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that鈥檚 inspiring a new generation.鈥�