Cristiano Ronaldo named Esports World Cup Global ambassador

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Global Brand Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025.

Through this partnership, the organisation aims to unlock its reach beyond traditional esports audiences and bridge the gap between sports and competitive gaming.

Ronaldo will lead the EWC’s global campaign throughout the event while promoting its creative theme, Rise Above.

“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 join the Esports World Cup as Global Ambassador – standing with esports athletes who rise above and inspire the next generation,” said Ronaldo.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has one of the biggest fan bases across the globe, with over 650m followers on Instagram, 115m on X (Twitter) and 75m subscribers on YouTube.

“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. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for esports,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO at EWCF.

This is not the first time Ronaldo has worked with the EWCF as he previously collaborated with the organisation in 2023 to help announce the 2024 Esports World Cup globally and attended its Closing Ceremony in Riyadh. However, it is unclear whether he will be present at the 2025 edition.

Moreover, Ronaldo isn’t the only sports athlete to collaborate with esports brands in recent years. Lionel Messi was announced as the co-owner of the esports organisation KRU Esports back in 2023, Ruud Gullit’s Team Gullit was acquired by Team Liquid earlier in 2025, and multiple other athletes have made similar moves.