Football great links the dots between competitive gaming and real-life sport
One of the best football players in history, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been officially announced by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as the Global Brand Ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC).
This groundbreaking move is more than just a headline—it signifies a shift in esports’ global outreach strategy. It marks an exciting and purposeful effort to connect with wider audiences through one of the world’s most influential sports icons.
An International Icon Joins a Global Gaming Movement
Ronaldo is possibly the world’s most-followed athlete, with over 650 million followers on Instagram, 115 million on X (formerly Twitter), and 75 million subscribers on YouTube. His reach spans generations, continents, and now, industries.
By joining the EWC, Ronaldo supports the organisation’s mission to bridge the worlds of sport and esports, while helping elevate the legitimacy and global recognition of competitive gaming.
“Esports Is Just Another Frontier”
In the official announcement, Ronaldo shared:
“Esports is just another frontier in the rapidly growing world of sport. I’ve seen esport competitors, and the passion, commitment, skill, and intensity was no different from what I had witnessed on the pitch.”
While embracing the “Rise Above” campaign theme—a message of excellence, perseverance, and unity—Ronaldo expressed enthusiasm for his new role and the rising status of esports globally.
Ronaldo’s Journey into Esports
Ronaldo’s involvement with EWCF isn’t new. He previously partnered with the organization in 2023 during the global campaign to promote the 2024 Esports World Cup, and even made an appearance at the Closing Ceremony in Riyadh.
However, it’s currently unconfirmed whether he will attend the 2025 edition in person.
More Sports Stars Enter the Esports Space
Ronaldo is far from alone in exploring the esports industry. In 2023, his long-time football rival Lionel Messi became co-owner of KRU Esports. Earlier this year, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit’s Team Gullit was acquired by Team Liquid, one of the most established esports organizations in the world.
These moves highlight a growing trend: esports is no longer a subculture. It’s now a mainstream cultural force attracting the biggest names across traditional sports.
What Does This Mean for Esports?
Ronaldo’s involvement brings new opportunities to the esports space—especially in attracting football fans who might not yet be immersed in competitive gaming. His presence offers credibility, global visibility, and the potential to break previous viewership and participation records for the Esports World Cup.
EWCF CEO Ralph Reichert said: “Cristiano Ronaldo bridges generations — nobody will know better than lifelong football fans to today’s new competitors. It’s his drive to achieve excellence that personifies the values of performance and passion embodied by the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the world’s best players.”
With Ronaldo and his massive fanbase onboard, the future of esports looks more promising than ever.
In Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s appointment as Global Ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup marks an important milestone—not just for the tournament, but for the esports industry at large. His presence encapsulates the growing impact of virtual competition and signals a bold new era where digital and traditional sports unite on the world stage.
