Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Fatal Fury as Playable Fighter [Video]

For years, gamers have celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” on FIFA games. Now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is ready to trade blows with the likes of Andy Bogard from Fatal Fury.

Ronaldo has been announced as a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the latest installment in the legendary fighting game franchise developed by Japanese company SNK. The game, set to release on 24 April, marks the first new entry in the Fatal Fury series in 26 years.

The trailer showcases Ronaldo in his signature number seven shirt and captain’s armband, using a blazing blue football to unleash attacks on opponents. True to form, his signature “Siuuu” celebration is included as a victory pose.

“CR7 is not only a sports superstar but also the world’s No.1 influencer. That’s why we approached him for this collaboration,” an SNK spokesperson told media. “We see him as an integral part of establishing Fatal Fury as the No.1 fighting game.”

Ronaldo joins a roster of 15 playable characters in City of the Wolves, blending football-inspired moves with martial arts. His character page describes him as “one of the top football players in the world” who visits South Town during his time off to hone new football techniques, making him “an unstoppable force, even to seasoned fighters.”

The Fatal Fury franchise, which debuted in 1991, was a pioneer in the fighting game genre that dominated the 1990s. The original game spawned 11 sequels, with the last released in 1999.

Besides FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), this isn’t Ronaldo’s first foray into gaming. In 2015, he appeared in the mobile runner game Ronaldo & Hugo: Superstar Skaters.

The game’s developers, SNK, are majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Misk Foundation, established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to expand his global influence, now conquering the virtual fighting arena.