Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Big: Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Big: Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

June 14, 2025 — In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of traditional sports and digital gaming, Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially named the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025. This announcement signals a major milestone in the growing recognition of esports as a global competitive phenomenon.

A Legendary Partnership

The Esports World Cup Foundation revealed that Ronaldo will spearhead the global promotional campaign for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24, 2025. With a staggering prize pool of $70 million and featuring 25 competitive games, this tournament is set to become one of the largest esports events in history.

Expressing his excitement on social media, Ronaldo said, "I'm proud to join the Esports World Cup as Global Ambassador—standing with esports athletes who rise above and inspire the next generation." He highlighted how the dedication and intensity of esports players mirror those in traditional sports, underscoring the growing legitimacy of competitive gaming worldwide.

A Natural Fit for the GOAT

This isn't Ronaldo’s first venture into the gaming world. Earlier this year, he became a playable character in the fighting game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which is part of the upcoming World Cup lineup. He has also been associated with popular football video games like Pro Evolution Soccer and has shown support for emerging football gaming titles.

Ronaldo’s massive social media reach — boasting over a billion followers across various platforms — is expected to bring unprecedented global visibility to the Esports World Cup, attracting fans from all corners of the world.

Aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Ronaldo’s appointment dovetails with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and position it as a hub for global gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is anticipated to significantly contribute to this vision by generating new jobs and boosting international tourism.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament draws near, the esports community is buzzing with excitement about Ronaldo’s ambassadorial role. His involvement promises to inspire a fresh generation of gamers and elevate esports' profile on the world stage.

With the Esports World Cup 2025 just around the corner, all eyes will be on Riyadh this summer as elite athletes from across the globe compete for glory in what is shaping up to be a landmark event in esports history.