Cristiano Ronaldo moves into AI

Manchester United continue to navigate a fast-moving football and commercial landscape, with the club keeping a close eye on how elite players, past and present, are reshaping their influence off the pitch.

As United push ahead with their own global strategy under INEOS, there’s growing attention on how the sport’s biggest names are evolving into major business figures.

Modern footballers are no longer defined solely by performances on matchdays; instead, their ventures in technology, entertainment and investment now shape the broader industry.

With commercial competition between Europe’s giants intensifying, every major move made by high-profile figures can have ripple effects across the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic players in Manchester United’s history, has once again positioned himself at the centre of global headlines, but this time far away from the pitch.

His latest move reveals just how rapidly elite players are entering the world of tech, innovation and high-value global partnerships.

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially expanded his booming business empire by announcing, via X, a major investment into Perplexity, the fast-growing AI platform widely seen as a leading challenger to ChatGPT.

The Portugal legend publicly confirmed the partnership through a promotional video on his social channels, introducing the new “Perplexity x CR7” experience and outlining why he chose to invest.

This isn’t merely a brand-ambassador deal, Ronaldo has become a long-term investor backing the company’s global vision.

His decision marks another huge step in his increasingly diverse business strategy, which already spans wellness, hospitality and tech.

With Perplexity recently valued at around $20 billion, the partnership signals his intention to move deeper into transformative digital industries.

Speaking about his investment in Perplexity, Ronaldo wrote: “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.

“Perplexity is powering the world’s curiosity, and together we will inspire everyone to ask more ambitious questions.”

On the pitch, Ronaldo continues to shine for Al-Nassr, with the Faris Najd dominating the Saudi Pro League after nine straight wins.

With the league currently on a winter break, he is set to return to action on 21 December when Al-Nassr face Al-Najma SC.

Ronaldo also broadened his investment portfolio earlier this year by becoming a shareholder in WOW FC MMA, further strengthening his growing presence in the global sports business landscape.