Cristiano Ronaldo has expanded his business portfolio by entering the world of mixed martial arts, becoming a shareholder in the Spanish MMA promotion WOW FC. The move marks a major crossover between one of football’s biggest global icons and the rapidly growing combat sports industry.
The Portuguese forward, currently playing for Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team, announced the partnership through a post on his official account on X, formerly Twitter.
“I’m excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! We share values I truly believe in — discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence,” Ronaldo wrote.
He added that he has been an avid follower of MMA for years and believes WOW FC has significant potential. “WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation,” he said.
UFC champion and WOW FC co-owner Ilia Topuria welcomed Ronaldo aboard, calling the development “a powerful moment for the entire sport” and expressing confidence that the collaboration would take MMA “to new heights.”
WOW FC also issued a statement celebrating the partnership: “Cristiano is much more than a sports icon; he is a global role model on and off the field. One of the greatest athletes of all time is joining our family to further accelerate the global growth of MMA.”
Ronaldo’s involvement adds to his growing list of ventures outside football, further cementing his influence as a global brand while bringing added visibility and star power to the emerging MMA promotion.
