In a surprise twist that has fans buzzing, SNK has revealed that global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be a fully playable character in the upcoming fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Set to launch on April 24, 2024, this game marks a significant moment as it is the first new installment in the iconic Fatal Fury series in nearly 25 years.

Ronaldo, often hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has an illustrious career decorated with accolades from clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, as well as a long-standing tenure with the Portugal national team. However, his selection as a character has raised eyebrows due to the controversies surrounding him, including multiple rape allegations that have emerged since 2017. These allegations have sparked discussions about the intersection of sports, celebrity culture, and gaming.

His recent move to the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr is likely a contributing factor to this unprecedented crossover, given that SNK is currently under the ownership of the MiSK Foundation, linked to the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. This partnership demonstrates the growing influence and investment of the Middle Eastern market in the gaming industry.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves promises to be an exciting addition to the fighting genre, featuring not only Ronaldo but also iconic characters from the series like Andy Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Joe Higashi, alongside legendary figures from the Street Fighter franchise, including Chun-Li and Ken Masters. This blend of characters from different gaming universes is sure to stimulate excitement amongst both fighting game enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.

As anticipation builds for the game's release, fans are eager to see how Ronaldo’s unique skills will translate into the fast-paced world of fighting games and what special abilities he might possess. Will he dazzle players with spectacular moves inspired by his football prowess? One can only wait and find out!