RONALDO JOINS FATAL FURY

For years, football fans have controlled Cristiano Ronaldo on virtual pitches, scoring goals and celebrating with his iconic "siu" in video game franchises like FIFA and eFootball.

But now, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is stepping into an entirely different kind of virtual arena—one where kicks and strikes carry a much more literal impact.

Ronaldo has been announced as a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, an upcoming fighting game set for release next month. Instead of weaving past defenders and launching thunderous free-kicks, players will control him in one-on-one combat against seasoned fighters. It’s a major crossover for the Portuguese superstar, who now joins a franchise that has been a cornerstone of the fighting game genre since its debut in the early 1990s.

Developed by Japanese gaming company SNK, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will feature 15 playable characters, with Ronaldo included in the lineup. The game’s trailer showcases him wearing his signature number seven shirt and a captain’s armband while attacking opponents using a flaming blue football before finishing with his trademark celebration.

The Fatal Fury franchise originally launched in 1991 and was one of the early pioneers of the fighting game genre, helping establish the foundations of titles like Street Fighter and Tekken. The series produced 11 sequels, with the last main installment releasing in 1999. That makes City of the Wolves the first new entry in 26 years, set to debut on April 24.

Ronaldo’s in-game character description highlights his legendary footballing career, referring to him as "one of the top football players in the world." His backstory adds an interesting twist, stating that he visits the fictional South Town in his time off to "hone his new football skills," and that the unique techniques he has developed on the pitch make him an "unstoppable force" in combat.

While this is Ronaldo’s first appearance in a traditional fighting game, it isn’t his first venture into gaming outside of football simulators. In 2015, he starred in Ronaldo & Hugo: Superstar Skaters, a mobile endless runner game. However, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves marks a major departure, placing him in a high-energy, arcade-style brawler alongside some of the most iconic fighters in gaming history.

The move also highlights Ronaldo’s ongoing connections with Saudi Arabia. Currently playing for Al Nassr, he remains one of the biggest global sports icons associated with the country’s footballing ambitions. SNK, the developer of Fatal Fury, is majority-owned by the Misk Foundation, which was established in 2011 by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The investment reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing presence in the gaming and entertainment industry as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.

For fans of both football and fighting games, Ronaldo’s inclusion in City of the Wolves adds a fascinating crossover appeal. Whether he can dominate a virtual fighting arena the same way he has on the pitch remains to be seen, but his in-game abilities suggest he will bring a unique playstyle. With his football-based special moves and blistering speed, he could become one of the more distinctive characters in the Fatal Fury universe.

As anticipation builds for the game’s release, gamers will soon find out if Ronaldo’s combat skills match his legendary footballing ability. Whether delivering knockout blows or scoring wonder goals, the Portuguese star continues to find new ways to leave his mark—both in real life and in the virtual world.