Ronaldo vs Kaká in the EA Sports FC 26 Showdown at Esports World Cup

Before the showmatch took center stage, both icons shared their mindset in the exclusive EWC Spotlight. Ronaldo summed up his respect for the crossover moment:

“Sharing the stage with Kaká in a video game is another way to celebrate football with fans.”— Ronaldo Nazário, in EWC Spotlight

Kaká returned the respect with warmth and humility:

“We grew up playing games alongside football. This match warms my heart.”— Kaká, reflecting on the nostalgia of gaming roots

Showmatch Day: A Moment Beyond Sport

On August 9, 2025, the stc Arena in Riyadh transformed into a virtual pitch. The stage design vibe-rich with Brazilian street art aesthetics mirrored the energy of their friendship and rivalry.

The format was simple: best-of-three EA SPORTS FC 25. Yet the atmosphere? Electrifying. Fans roared, and live viewers witnessed a rare fusion of digital skill and football legacy.

Cool Confidence, Warm Legacy

Both icons weren’t just playing, they were performing.

Ronaldo, poised behind his controller, held back just enough:

“This is more fun than I expected. Give me that highlight reel moment.”— Ronaldo Nazário, mid-match grin visible on screen

Ronaldo wants a rematch - "In Call of Duty I will beat him, 100 percent. I am a machine in CoD Warzone"

"Next time let us play CoD. I will beat him in shooters, 100 percent. I am a machine in CoD Warzone, play this almost every night."— Ronaldo, in reflective post-match conversation

The Legacy Endures

When the last digital whistle blew, fans weren’t counting goals. They were counting on moments. Moments of camaraderie, surprises, and a shared love for the game evolved, but deeply familiar.

This wasn't merely a showmatch. It was proof that in 2025, football glory and esports energy can walk hand in hand.