Esports World Cup Foundation Partners CR7 For EWC 2025

PIF backed Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has struck a global brand endorsement deal with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025.  

Leveraging on CR7’s stardom across the globe, the esports organisation aims to grow  beyond its traditional audiences and bridge the gap between sports and competitive gaming for EWC 2025.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward is not new to the world of esports, having been one of the key announcers for the 2024 Esports World Cup and attending its closing ceremony in Riyadh. This time he   will lead the EWC’s global campaign throughout the event while promoting its creative theme, Rise Above.

Following the partnership, Ronaldo stated, “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.”

Ralf Reichert, CEO EWCF added, “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.” 

In recent years, footballers have increasingly been involved in investing as well as promoting esports teams and organisations. The likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero,  Gerard Pique, Casemiro, David de Gea,  David Beckham, Neymar, Jesse Lingard, Ruud Gullit, Mesut Ozil, Christian Fuchs and Diego Jota have all played their part in growth of esports.  

According to ASN data, esports sponsorship in Asia has veered from a peak of almost US$8m in Q422 to a mere US$1.8m+ in Q125. The forecast for Q225 is tipped to hit US$3.3m+, a far cry from  the strong investment in 2019.