Renowned footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the gaming arena as a committed investor, pledging over $40 million towards the development of UFL, an upcoming free-to-play soccer video game.
Ronaldo, not just a financial contributor, will actively contribute to shaping the game’s development, expressing his enthusiasm in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project as UFL can become the new breed in football (soccer) gaming.”
Strikerz Inc., the entity steering UFL, operates under the ownership of XTEN Limited, an international gaming company established in 2016. Eugene Nashilov, CEO of Strikerz Inc., hailed Ronaldo’s involvement as a significant endorsement of their vision to create the premier soccer game for fans worldwide.
The football maestro, known for his illustrious career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, boasting numerous cups and titles, including five Champions League triumphs, is currently playing for Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr FC.
Sportico’s recent ranking places Ronaldo fifth among the highest-paid athletes of all time, underscoring his financial prowess beyond the football field.
While an official release date for UFL remains undisclosed, the company confirmed that the testing phase is set to commence in autumn. UFL aims to provide a free gaming experience, with ongoing updates and features, eliminating mandatory payments or yearly fees.
Upon release, the game will be accessible on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles, positioning itself as a competitor to EA Sports FC, the globally renowned soccer video game for which Argentine star Lionel Messi serves as an ambassador.
