Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken an equity stake in Perplexity AI and signed on as a global partner and brand ambassador, marking one of the highest‑profile crossovers yet between elite sport and the fast‑growing AI sector. The deal includes a global sponsorship agreement and the launch of a dedicated “Ronaldo Hub” on Perplexity, positioning the Portugal legend as both investor and flagship face of the answer‑engine platform.
“Curiosity is a requirement for greatness. You win when you keep asking new questions every day. That’s why I am proud to announce my investment in Perplexity,” Ronaldo wrote on X (formerly Twitter)
“Perplexity is powering the world’s curiosity, and together we will inspire everyone to ask more ambitious questions,” he added
Sharing the link to his Perplexity hub page “Perplexity.ai/ronaldo is just the beginning!”, Ronaldo concluded
What the deal involves
Cristiano Ronaldo’s investment was announced with the football superstar confirming that he has become both an investor and global partner in Perplexity AI. While the size of his stake and detailed financial terms remain undisclosed, multiple reports describe it as his most high‑profile technology investment to date.
Perplexity has also entered a global sponsorship agreement with Ronaldo, integrating his image and brand into product campaigns and co‑branded experiences across markets where he commands hundreds of millions of followers. The collaboration is designed to be multi‑year and extends beyond a conventional endorsement, with Ronaldo expected to be involved in promotional content, product storytelling and fan‑facing initiatives.
Perplexity, valuation and AI ambitions
Perplexity, founded in 2022 by CEO Aravind Srinivas and a team of AI researchers, describes itself as an “answer engine” that combines conversational responses with cited web sources in real time. The company positions its product as a rival to systems such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, with a focus on research‑style queries, verification and iterative questioning.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with @cristiano and welcome him as an investor to @perplexity. There’s a reason he’s the ‘GOAT’: he’s relentless and researches all the time on the latest techniques to recover and push the boundaries. We will work together to make Perplexity the best AI for asking questions!” wrote Srinivas on Instagram
The startup has grown rapidly, reaching a reported valuation of about 20 billion dollars after a funding round in September 2025 that raised roughly 200 million dollars from institutional backers. Ronaldo’s investment comes on the heels of that raise and is framed as part of a broader strategy to blend cutting‑edge AI capabilities with mainstream cultural reach through high‑visibility partners.
Ronaldo Hub and fan experience
As part of the agreement, Perplexity has launched a dedicated “Ronaldo Hub” or “Perplexity x CR7” experience on its platform, built as an AI‑powered archive of the forward’s two‑decade career. The hub lets fans explore curated questions, revisit iconic goals and milestones, and browse rare or previously unseen images from Ronaldo’s personal collection via an interactive interface.
Users can ask natural‑language questions about different stages of his club and international career, achievements and personal milestones, with Perplexity’s engine surfacing context‑rich answers and supporting material. The company plans to expand the experience over time with fresh content, new interactive formats and potential commerce features, turning it into a living digital archive around the CR7 brand.
Why Ronaldo is betting on AI
Ronaldo has framed the move as an extension of a mindset where “curiosity” and continuous learning are essential to sustaining elite performance and long careers in sport. He has publicly credited Perplexity with helping him prepare for high‑profile speeches and events, saying he used the platform to research awards and craft remarks at a major football ceremony before becoming an investor.
The deal slots into a broader business empire that already spans hospitality, wellness, fashion and other tech‑adjacent ventures, adding a prominent AI asset to a portfolio estimated at well over a billion dollars. Analysts note that the investment reflects a growing trend of top athletes placing capital into high‑growth technology segments that promise advantages in preparation, data‑driven decision‑making and fan engagement.
Strategic impact on Perplexity and AI
For Perplexity, partnering with one of the world’s most followed athletes is expected to dramatically boost brand visibility and user acquisition, particularly in regions such as Latin America, the Middle East and Asia where Ronaldo’s fanbase is especially strong. The company aims to leverage Ronaldo’s global reach to introduce AI answer engines to new audiences that may be less familiar with advanced search tools but highly engaged with mobile and social platforms.
Industry watchers see the tie‑up as more than a celebrity endorsement, framing it as a signal that AI “answer engines” are moving from niche productivity tools to mainstream consumer infrastructure. By aligning with a figure synonymous with longevity and high performance, Perplexity is betting that the language of training, preparation and relentless improvement will help normalize everyday AI use among both sports fans and the broader public.
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