Riyadh: The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced that Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Naz¡rio 'The Phenomenon' and Ricardo Kak¡ will face off in the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 Showmatch on Saturday during the 2025 EA FC game week.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Showmatch will be hosted at stc Arena, right in the heart of the EWC Festival in Riyadh, underscoring digital competitions as a new form of sport and a cornerstone of modern entertainment.

This year's match builds on the tremendous success of the first Showmatch held during the 2024 edition, which featured Brazilian star Neymar Jr. and Saudi star Mossad "Msdossary" Al-Dossary from Team Falcons. In 2025, the event reaches new heights as Ronaldo and Kak¡ go head-to-head in a best-of-three digital derby featuring EA SPORTS FC 25 competition. The match format reflects the tournament's mission to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports.

The Showmatch also carries added significance following the recent naming of Cristiano Ronaldo as Global Ambassador of the EWC 2025. This move signals a global trend toward creating an integrated sports model where traditional athletic excellence meets the dynamic world of esports.

Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation Mike McCabe commended Ronaldo and Kak¡ for embodying the spirit of competitive excellence and sporting legacy. He noted that their presence in the EWC 2025 not only symbolizes the merging of traditional and digital sports but also highlights the shared values that resonate deeply with fans across the world.