Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his entry into combat sports as a shareholder in MMA promoter WOW FC, while confirming that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his final tournament with Portugal.

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has made a surprising move into the world of combat sports by becoming a shareholder in Way of Warrior FC (WOW FC), a Spanish Mixed Martial Arts promotion . The announcement was shared by Ronaldo on social media, where he expressed his commitment to values such as discipline, respect, and resilience—principles he believes align with WOW FC’s mission.

Partnership with UFC star Topuria

Ronaldo joins forces with UFC lightweight star Ilia Topuria, who also sits on the company’s board. “Together, we will push MMA to new heights and inspire athletes and fans around the world,” Ronaldo said in a statement. The partnership aims to elevate MMA’s global profile and attract new audiences beyond traditional fight fans.

Final World Cup and future plans

This business venture comes as Ronaldo, now 40, prepares for what he confirmed will be his last FIFA World Cup in 2026. Speaking at a recent summit in Riyadh, the Portuguese forward stated: “Definitely, yes. I will be 41 years old and I think this will be the moment in the big competition.” He remains under contract with Saudi club Al Nassr until 2027, but has ruled out coaching as a post-retirement path, hinting instead at entrepreneurial projects and possibly club ownership in the future.

The move underscores Ronaldo’s strategy to diversify his brand beyond football, following similar paths taken by global sports icons who have invested in lifestyle and entertainment ventures.

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