Football Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo Is Latest Team PokerStars Pro

Heartthrob and superstar of football, Cristiano Ronaldo (cover image) has just joined the PokerStars family! The news was confirmed today by the PokerStars blog. Ronaldo’s tie-up comes days after Brazilian and Barcelona footballer Neymar Jr was signed up by site.

His football exploits notwithstanding, Ronaldo is also extremely popular on social media, with the largest fan following enjoyed by any athlete in the world. This following is said to be a whopping 103 million on Facebook alone, with a larger 35.5 million on Twitter!

Ronaldo shared this latest news with them in a special video posted on his Facebook page.

As a brand ambassador for PokerStars, Ronaldo will take the game of poker to these millions and promote the online giant. He will be an important part of advertising campaigns, with special appearances at major live poker events and online poker tournaments. Fans will be thrilled to know that they will get a unique chance to win a face-to-face meeting with Ronaldo and challenge him at a poker tournament later this year.

Ronaldo will play at PokerStars under the id “C.Ronaldo.”

The Real Madrid and Portugal forward made a statement saying that this move was a natural progression for him, considering his love for winning teams and his passion for poker, after football.

Talking about his poker game he stated, “I started playing poker a few years ago, and I love the competition, strategy and fun. I’m looking forward to taking my game to the online and live poker tables and meeting my fans head to head.Although football is my world, poker has always been my game. I’m very excited to join the team.”

It is stated that the 30-year old football legend had one time beaten Dan “jungleman12” Cates. “We were just mostly playing for fun,” Cates revealed about the $1-$2 pot-limit session. “He beat me for about eight buy-ins. I was thinking, ‘Wow, I am getting destroyed by this guy and he hardly plays.’”

Speaking to the press about new PokerStars tie-up Ronaldo added, “PokerStars is the perfect partner for me. As a brand, it is always looking at ways to improve and stay ahead of the curve, and as an athlete that is something I truly respect.”

PokerStars was equally enthusiastic and David Baazov Chairman, Amaya, said that, “Ronaldo is part of a new generation of global superstar athletes that work hard, play smart and encourage their fans to share in their lives. We’re proud that Ronaldo – and fellow elite player Neymar Jr – have chosen to make PokerStars a partner in their journey and to share their love of the game of poker with their legions of fans.”

The sentiments were echoed by Michael Hazel, interim CEO of PokerStars,who stated, “The poker table is not a new arena for athletes, as many have, over the years, sought other ways to satisfy their love for competition, and pursue challenges.

Ronaldo is one of the most famous names in the world and PokerStars is thrilled to partner with him. We look forward to him spreading his love of the game worldwide by sharing his PokerStars experiences with his huge social following and fan base.”

The suave Ronaldo has a host of football achievements that include 3 FIFA d’Or World Player of the Year awards, 2 Champions League medals, and a huge collection of domestic league titles. He is the current World Footballer of the Year and has numerous credits from his former club, Manchester United.