SNK has surprised fans by revealing that Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic soccer player, will be featured as a playable character in the upcoming game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This much-anticipated fighting game is set to release in April, and Ronaldo’s inclusion goes beyond just a cameo appearance or promotional role.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a name that sparks both admiration and controversy. Widely recognized as one of the top footballers globally, he has dazzled fans on clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. On the international stage, he’s been a standout with Portugal’s national team. His addition to Fatal Fury likely ties into his recent tenure with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the MiSK Foundation’s ownership of SNK. This foundation is connected to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, Ronaldo’s career hasn’t been without scandal. Allegations of sexual misconduct have followed him, notably a claim from 2009 in Las Vegas, which the footballer resolved with a $375,000 settlement. This allegation, brought to light in 2017 by Der Spiegel, led to further legal battles. In 2018, a civil lawsuit was filed against Ronaldo, demanding $25 million in damages, but it was dismissed in 2022. An appeal was also subsequently turned down.
As for the game itself, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves marks a significant return after a 25-year hiatus. The game brings back fan favorites like Andy Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Joe Higashi, and introduces crossover characters from Street Fighter—including Chun-Li and Ken Masters. Gamers can look forward to battling it out on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC when it launches on April 24.