What connects Cristiano Ronaldo and a Japanese fighting game?

The link comes down to two words: Saudi Arabia.

SNK has added the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to its lineup for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Despite the unusual combination of a renowned soccer player in a fighting game, Ronaldo’s character utilizes unique techniques acquired from his football experience, making him a formidable addition to the game.

“One of the top football players in the world,” states his character page. “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.”

This partnership raises questions about the reasoning behind a real-world footballer joining a franchise typically filled with combat-focused characters.

The ties run deeper. The developer SNK is now heavily owned by Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, through investments made in the gaming industry. Given that Ronaldo also signed a lucrative contract with Al Nassr FC in 2022, the convergence of sports, finance, and gaming becomes evident.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is set to be released on April 24, with an open beta starting today.