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Cristiano Ronaldo Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City
As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City
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Cristiano Ronaldo Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City
As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City

The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the appointment of international football star and Al-Nassr FC captain Cristiano Ronaldo as a global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), to be held in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, in a move that reinforces Saudi Arabia's position and leadership in this vital and promising sector.

Ronaldo's appointment marks a significant milestone for the EWC, the largest event in the history of gaming and esports, serving as a global platform that brings together talent and celebrates a culture of innovation and excellence. This landmark collaboration underscores the growing influence of this sector, which now attracts millions of players and fans worldwide.

As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City. He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of 25 major tournaments featured in this year's Esports World Cup. Leveraging his global fan base of over one billion social media followers, Ronaldo is expected to help attract new audiences and introduce them to some of the most prominent professional players in the gaming and esports world.

Ronaldo explained that sports are constantly evolving, stating that esports represent the future of the global sports and entertainment sectors. He noted that the passion, talent, and determination he sees in esports players are similar to those in his own football journey. He added that he is delighted to stand alongside these competitors and participate in a global event that inspires the next generation.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo is one of the most influential athletes in the world. His presence extends beyond the stadium, bridging cultures and connecting millions of fans worldwide with a new generation of esports players.

The EWC features a multi-game, multi-platform format, offering clubs and players the opportunity to showcase their skills across diverse competitions.

This year's edition is expected to attract more than 2,000 professional gamers and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games, with total prize money exceeding $70 million. This reaffirms the Kingdom's leadership in hosting major global events and strengthens its position at the forefront of the gaming and esports sector.

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Sports

World Cup Final Halftime to Last More than 15 Minutes

English football supporters react after Argentina defeated England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals match, in Sydney, Australia, July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper
English football supporters react after Argentina defeated England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals match, in Sydney, Australia, July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper
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World Cup Final Halftime to Last More than 15 Minutes

English football supporters react after Argentina defeated England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals match, in Sydney, Australia, July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper
English football supporters react after Argentina defeated England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals match, in Sydney, Australia, July 16, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper

The halftime interval in Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to last more than 15 minutes because of the installation required for the tournament's first halftime entertainment show, broadcasting sources said on Friday.

The installation of the stage for the 11-minute show is expected to take around seven minutes, the sources said, although it was unclear how long it would then take to dismantle the equipment and clear the pitch before the second half could begin.

FIFA's World Cup regulations state that matches are played in accordance with the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which say players are entitled to a halftime interval "not exceeding 15 minutes", Reuters reported.

The tournament regulations themselves, however, say players are entitled to a "15-minute interval" at halftime, without repeating the IFAB wording that the break cannot exceed that duration.

The performance will be the first halftime show staged at a World Cup final, adding another element associated with major American sporting events to a tournament already featuring mandatory hydration breaks and, for the first time, championship rings for the winners.

Sports

Liverpool Midfielder Szoboszlai Signs New Contract

epa13027294 Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary the 1-1 goal during the friendly soccer match between Hungary and Kazakhstan in Debrecen, Hungary, 09 June 2026. EPA/Tibor Illyes HUNGARY OUT
epa13027294 Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary the 1-1 goal during the friendly soccer match between Hungary and Kazakhstan in Debrecen, Hungary, 09 June 2026. EPA/Tibor Illyes HUNGARY OUT
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Liverpool Midfielder Szoboszlai Signs New Contract

epa13027294 Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary the 1-1 goal during the friendly soccer match between Hungary and Kazakhstan in Debrecen, Hungary, 09 June 2026. EPA/Tibor Illyes HUNGARY OUT
epa13027294 Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary the 1-1 goal during the friendly soccer match between Hungary and Kazakhstan in Debrecen, Hungary, 09 June 2026. EPA/Tibor Illyes HUNGARY OUT

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai signed a new five-year contract on Friday, ending speculation over his future.

Szoboszlai had two years remaining on his previous deal, but the Hungary captain has been rewarded for his fine form last season.

It had appeared negotiations between the 25-year-old's representatives and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes had stalled last season.

However, talks accelerated in recent weeks and Szoboszlai has finally put pen to paper on his improved contract.

"It's maybe my biggest day. There are a couple in front of it -- probably when I signed for Liverpool the first one and when I got my baby, of course. But in my football career, I can say this is in the top three," he said.

"I can't wait to go again and again and again. There's always more to come. I think I can do even better. I think that's why I'm sitting here, because that pushed me since I was a kid: that it was never enough. And I'm thinking the same now.

"When I signed, I said I want to win everything. That didn't change for a moment either. It stayed the same: I want to win everything that is possible in this country, also let's say the Champions League.

"I'm ready to go for it."

Szoboszlai's decision to commit his long-term future to Liverpool is a major boost for new manager Andoni Iraola, who has arrived from Bournemouth to replace the sacked Arne Slot.

Szoboszlai has become an integral figure at Anfield since signing from German oufit Leipzig in 2023.

He scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in 53 matches last term, becoming the first Liverpool midfielder to reach double figures in both categories since Steven Gerrard in 2013-14.

Szoboszlai has won the Premier League and League Cup with Liverpool and was voted player of the year by his club's fans last season.

Sports

Kimi Antonelli Reveals Advice from Roger Federer to Get Back on Track in F1 Title Fight

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 16, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 16, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Reuters)
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Kimi Antonelli Reveals Advice from Roger Federer to Get Back on Track in F1 Title Fight

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 16, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 16, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. (Reuters)

On the grass courts of Wimbledon or racing through the Belgian forests, what matters is staying in control.

Kimi Antonelli heads into the Belgian Grand Prix with a piece of advice he picked up recently from Roger Federer.

After a run of car problems cut into the Italian's Formula 1 standings lead, Antonelli's chat with the tennis great in the Royal Box at Wimbledon offered a fresh perspective on how to stop these blips turning into a slump.

“About pressure, he just told me to really focus one race at a time, just focus on what you can control, and also to control the emotions, especially the ones that can make you do mistakes,” Antonelli said Thursday.

“Those were the main pieces of advice. Other than that, it was an incredible experience to witness.”

So far, Antonelli seems to be staying focused, even as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton threaten Mercedes' supremacy. Antonelli doesn't seem to have lost any of his race-winning pace, unlike last year, when his confidence hit rock-bottom after errors on the European tracks he was meant to know best.

“I just need to maximize every opportunity I get, what I have in control, and then we’ll see what the rest will be,” Antonelli said. “It's part of the sport and the team are doing a tremendous job to make sure that all these issues are not happening again.”

Russell's struggles Instead, it's his more experienced Mercedes teammate George Russell who's struggling.

A second-place finish for Russell at the British Grand Prix was more about luck than speed, as he benefited from Antonelli's car trouble, a crash for Max Verstappen and a strategy blunder for Hamilton.

Russell cut Antonelli's lead to 25 points but said he felt “less satisfied” with that home podium finish than he had breaking down from the lead in Canada.

The fast, sweeping Belgian circuit has key similarities to Silverstone. That could pose a challenge to Russell and offer an opportunity to Ferrari.

Leclerc and Ferrari were surprised he had the pace to win in Britain and they've been working since then to understand what worked so well to deliver that pace this weekend, too.

Mercedes remains the team to beat and “should be a lot further ahead" in the standings by now, Hamilton told Sky Sports.

One driver who almost certainly won't be in contention for the win is Lando Norris. The defending champion comes into this week's race with a 10-place grid penalty after McLaren switched out a troublesome electrical part on his car.

Teammate Oscar Piastri spent Thursday stressing he trusts McLaren's assurances he'll stay with the team next year despite reported interest in signing Max Verstappen.

Four-time champion Verstappen left his future open Thursday but had warm words for Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies, who started his tenure a year ago with a stunning win for Verstappen in a sprint in Belgium.

After Verstappen fumed at Red Bull's “dangerous” car after back-to-back crashes caused by rear wing failures, the team is going back to an older design this week, potentially affecting Verstappen's pace.