In an unexpected twist, Cristiano Ronaldo, hailed as one of the greatest footballers alongside Lionel Messi, is stepping into the ring as a playable character in the highly anticipated fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This marks one of the most unusual guest appearances in fighting game history, showcasing Ronaldo's transition from the football field to the virtual battleground.
Ronaldo is featured in the game's launch roster, bringing his football prowess to the fight. SNK Corporation, the developer and publisher, has released a trailer that highlights Ronaldo's integration into the game's unique, comic-inspired art style. Players can witness Ronaldo executing football-inspired attacks, including a command move named "Headed Clearance" and a slide tackle. Additionally, he performs his signature "Siuuu" celebration, although his voice is provided by actor Juan Felipe Sierra, rather than Ronaldo himself.
Here's the official description of Ronaldo's character in the game:
One of the top football players in the world. He uses his time off to visit South Town to hone his new football skills. The various techniques he has developed playing football make him an unstoppable force, even to seasoned fighters.
At 40 years old, Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr FC, a club in the Saudi Pro League, which is majority-owned by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Interestingly, SNK Corporation is now almost entirely owned by the Saudi crown prince's foundation, adding another layer of connection between Ronaldo and the game.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is set to launch on April 24, 2025, promising a dynamic art style, a mix of new and returning fighters, and updated battle systems that are sure to excite fans and newcomers alike.