Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has made a surprising move beyond the football pitch, announcing his entry into the world of mixed martial arts as a shareholder in Spanish promotion WOW FC.
Historic Announcement on Social Media
The Portuguese icon revealed this significant career diversification on Thursday, November 27, 2025, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Ronaldo expressed genuine enthusiasm about his new venture, describing it as aligning perfectly with his personal philosophy and values that have defined his legendary sports career.
Ronaldo wrote that he felt excited to share this big news with his millions of followers worldwide. He explained that WOW FC, which stands for Way of Warriors FC, is creating something truly unique and powerful within the mixed martial arts landscape.
Shared Values Driving the Partnership
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner emphasized that his decision to invest stems from the promotion's strong commitment to principles he has championed throughout his football journey. Discipline, respect, resilience, and continuous self-improvement emerged as the core values that attracted Ronaldo to this project.
In his detailed social media post, Ronaldo clarified that his involvement goes beyond mere financial investment. He aims to actively contribute to the growth of mixed martial arts globally and provide support to young fighters who view him as an inspiration and role model.
Spanish media reports indicate that this announcement generated immediate buzz across sports communities, given Ronaldo's limited history with such external business partnerships outside football.
WOW FC Leadership Reaction and Future Impact
WOW FC executives welcomed Ronaldo's involvement with open arms. Executive Chairman Arturo Guillen described the football legend's entry as a historic moment for the promotion. Guillen highlighted that Ronaldo brings not just his football legacy but also his global influence and exemplary dedication to excellence.
The chairman confidently stated that this partnership would accelerate WOW FC's expansion plans within Spain and internationally. The promotion already maintains collaborations with various Spanish combat sports organizations and focuses on developing young talent from local events to major showcases.
Ronaldo now joins forces with Ilia Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion who also holds shareholder status in WOW FC. Topuria represents one of Spain's most successful MMA exports, and industry experts believe this powerful combination of football and MMA star power could significantly boost the promotion's profile.
This strategic partnership positions WOW FC to attract broader audiences to mixed martial arts and potentially elevate the sport's popularity across Europe and beyond. The collaboration between two sporting icons from different disciplines marks an innovative approach to sports promotion and athlete development.
