The Esports World Cup 2025 has announced its Global Ambassador, and it’s none other than Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is a world-famous soccer star and, according to the Esports World Cup, one of the “most celebrated” athletes. While he’s not necessarily known for esports, the Esports World Cup has the goal to use his role to connect generations of sports athletes and esports athletes.
Additionally, connecting the generations gives the Esports World Cup more validity outside of the esports ecosystem — a challenge that surrounds esports as a whole in many areas of the world.
The Esports World Cup isn’t exactly new to Cristiano Ronaldo, either. In 2023, he was part of the group that led the global announcement of the event, and he also attended the 2024 Closing Ceremony.
It’s not even the first time he’s been seen in esports. Ronaldo is a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which is one of the headline titles for the Esports World Cup 2025.
As Global Ambassador, Ronaldo will be featured in campaigns around the world promoting the Esports World Cup. He’s also a key part of the creative theme of the Esports World Cup 2025’s creative theme, which is Rise Above.
Rise Above is focused on pushing past the norms and the idea of human-made boundaries to achieve greatness.
Ralf Reichert, the CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, explained why Ronaldo was everything the group was looking for and expressed his excitement at working together:
“Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging competitors. 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.”
Additionally, Ronaldo himself spoke about his role as Global Ambassador:
“Sport is always evolving – and esports is one more frontier. 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.”
