Cristiano Ronaldo has made a significant investment in UFL (Unreal Football League), a new football video game set to challenge the dominance of EA FC 25, Soccernet.football reports.
Since EA Sports parted ways with FIFA, its EA FC series has become a market leader, overshadowing rivals like Konami’s eFootball. However, Ronaldo’s involvement with UFL could mark a shift in the competitive landscape.
Scheduled for release on September 12, UFL will be available exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, according to the Standard.
The game is developed by Cypriot company Strikerz and is promoted with the slogan “fair to play,” a subtle nod to the “pay-to-win” criticism often directed at EA’s offerings.
Ronaldo’s project has attracted other football stars, including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Roberto Firmino. In partnership with FIFpro, UFL boasts over 65,000 licensed players and will feature several well-known clubs with official names, crests, and kits.
Among these clubs are Chelsea, West Ham, AS Monaco, Beşiktaş, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Celtic, Rangers, Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen, and PSV Eindhoven.
While UFL will be free to download and play, it will include in-app purchases. Strikerz has emphasized that these purchases will not be necessary to succeed in the game.
Optional add-ons include a PS5 starter pack, which offers early access and in-game items for $15, and an Xbox foundation pack, which provides similar benefits. These purchases include early access to the game and in-game currency, giving players the opportunity to enhance their experience.