Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo has become an investor in UFL, an upcoming video game set to challenge the dominance of EA Sports in the soccer gaming industry. Fans have long expressed dissatisfaction with EA’s FIFA franchise, and despite recent rebranding efforts, the latest iteration, EA Sports FC 24, received a low user rating on Metacritic.

UFL, developed by Strikers Inc., aims to be a viable competitor to EA and Konami’s eFootball. Soccer enthusiasts are hopeful that this free-to-play game can deliver a realistic and enjoyable gaming experience, providing much-needed competition in the market.

In a significant development for UFL, Cristiano Ronaldo has invested $40 million in the game, offering both substantial financial support and a credibility boost. Ronaldo’s investment adds a new dimension to the competition in the video game industry, as his longtime on-field rival, Lionel Messi, has been an ambassador for Konami’s games.

With both Ronaldo and Messi now involved in the gaming industry, EA Sports faces new competition on two fronts. The success of UFL will depend on its ability to offer a compelling gaming experience that can challenge the dominance of the established gaming conglomerate.