Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has officially been appointed as the Global Ambassador for the highly anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement, made on Friday, June 13, 2025, marks a significant milestone in bridging the gap between traditional sports and the burgeoning world of competitive gaming.
A Defining Moment for Esports
The Esports World Cup Foundation hailed Ronaldo’s appointment as a “defining milestone” in the evolution of the tournament and the broader rise of esports as a global force. As a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide, Ronaldo brings an unparalleled level of global presence and cultural resonance. His involvement is expected to connect millions of fans, transcending traditional sports boundaries and introducing new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasized Ronaldo’s unique ability to connect generations. “His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players,” Reichert stated. “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’s Role and Vision
As Global Ambassador, Cristiano Ronaldo will be a central figure in the EWC’s global promotional campaign leading up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival in Riyadh. His immense social media following, exceeding one billion across platforms, is expected to significantly amplify the tournament’s reach and introduce competitive gaming to a wider demographic.
Ronaldo himself expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “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.”
Previous Involvement and Future Appearances
Ronaldo’s connection with the Esports World Cup is not entirely new. He participated in the global announcement of the competition’s creation in 2023 and attended the closing ceremony last summer in Riyadh, where he celebrated Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship victory.
Beyond his ambassadorial duties, fans will also see Ronaldo in a unique digital capacity: he will appear as a playable character in “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves,” one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup.
The Esports World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24, and will feature a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million across its 25 tournament games, with 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries participating.
