Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has made a surprising move into the world of mixed martial arts, confirming a significant investment in the Spanish promotion company Way of Warrior FC (WOW).
The 40-year-old Al Nassr striker, who recently signed a new two-year contract with the Saudi club, revealed the news on social media platform X, stating he will become a shareholder in the growing MMA organisation.
Ronaldo's New Venture and Shared Values
In his announcement, Ronaldo expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting the values both he and WOW FC represent. "I'm excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma!" he wrote. "We share values I truly believe in - discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence."
Ronaldo further described WOW FC as "building something unique and powerful" and stated his pride in joining the project to help elevate the sport and inspire future generations.
This strategic move sees the Portuguese captain join forces with Ilia Topuria, the current UFC lightweight champion, who also sits on the board of WOW FC.
Clarifying Retirement Timeline and World Cup Plans
The investment news comes shortly after Ronaldo provided clear details about his football retirement plans. Speaking at the Tourise Summit in Riyadh earlier in November, the veteran forward confirmed that the 2026 World Cup in North America would be his final appearance in the tournament.
When asked if the 2026 competition would be his last, Ronaldo responded definitively: "Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think [this] will be the moment in the big competition." This will mark his sixth World Cup appearance for Portugal.
He also clarified previous comments about retiring "soon," explaining that he likely has "one or two years" left in professional football, aligning with his contract at Al Nassr that will see him play until he is 42.
A Growing Business Portfolio
The venture into MMA is not Ronaldo's first foray into business. The global sports icon has built an extensive portfolio that includes:
- Hotels and gyms in his native Portugal
- The CR7 lifestyle brand
- A lifetime contract with Nike, valued at approximately $1 billion (£760 million)
Topuria welcomed Ronaldo's involvement in WOW FC, stating: "Having Cristiano Ronaldo join WOW FC is a powerful moment for the sport. He represents the highest standards of professionalism, hard work, and global excellence."
The UFC champion added that together, they aim to push MMA to new heights and inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
