Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (August 09, 2025) – In an electrifying clash of football legends at the Esports World Cup 2025 Showmatch, Ricardo Kaká emerged victorious over Ronaldo Nazário, blending iconic football heritage with the thrill of competitive gaming.
The showdown took place live on stage at the STC Arena in Riyadh during EA SPORTS FC 25 game week, delivering a high-energy spectacle that celebrated the fusion of traditional sport and esports. Fans in attendance and viewers around the globe witnessed Kaká’s skill and composure shine through in a best-of-three digital derby inspired by Brazilian street football culture, complete with old-school collectible card visuals, graffiti art, and bespoke EWC 2025 design elements.
The match drew roaring cheers from dedicated fan sections, while post-match Q&As and exclusive rewards deepened the experience for attendees. This year’s Showmatch built on the success of the 2024 debut, which featured Neymar Jr. and Team Falcons’ Mossad “Msdossary” Al-Dossary, but elevated the stakes with bigger production, richer storytelling, and two of Brazil’s most celebrated icons battling for bragging rights on the esports stage.
Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, praised the historic moment:
“Ronaldo and Kaká embody competitive excellence and legacy. Tonight’s Showmatch wasn’t just about winning, it was about showing how football and esports can inspire multiple generations. Kaká’s victory was the perfect highlight to football week here at the EWC.”
The victory for Kaká added to the excitement of Football Week at EWC 2025, which also features the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship and the highly anticipated Kings League MENA Presentation on August 10, marking Gerard Piqué’s innovative seven-a-side competition’s debut in the region.
As the world’s largest esports event, the Esports World Cup 2025 runs through August 24 in Riyadh, uniting over 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs across 25 tournaments in 24 games, competing for a prize pool exceeding $70 million.
To learn more about EWC 2025 and purchase tickets, visit esportsworldcup.com.