In a surprising twist for fans of both sports and gaming, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make an unprecedented appearance as a playable fighter in the upcoming video game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This marks one of the most unusual guest character integrations in fighting games to date. Ronaldo, often hailed alongside Lionel Messi as one of the greatest footballers in history, will be part of the game's launch roster, bringing his athletic prowess to the virtual arena.
SNK Corporation, the developer and publisher behind Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, has released a trailer showcasing Ronaldo's transformation into the game's comic-inspired art style. The football icon is equipped with unique moves inspired by his sport, including a command move named "Headed Clearance" and a slide tackle, reflecting his on-field skills. Fans will also be delighted to see Ronaldo perform his iconic 'Siuuu' celebration within the game, although his voice is provided by voice actor Juan Felipe Sierra rather than Ronaldo himself.
Here’s the official description of Ronaldo’s character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves:
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.
Currently, the 40-year-old Ronaldo plays as a forward for Al Nassr FC, a club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, competing in the Saudi Pro League. The club is predominantly 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's real-world career and his virtual one.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is scheduled to launch on April 24, 2025. The game promises a dynamic art style, a mix of new and familiar fighters, and modernized battle systems, ensuring an exciting experience for players eager to see how Ronaldo fares in the fighting game genre.
