The world of fighting games is no stranger to surprising crossovers, but SNK has taken things to an entirely new level with its latest announcement.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the global football icon known as “CR7,” is stepping into the ring in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, making it one of the most unexpected collaborations in gaming history.

This fusion of football and fighting will redefine expectations, proving that SNK is still full of surprises.

From dominating football stadiums to battling in the streets of South Town, CR7’s transition into the Fatal Fury universe is as thrilling as it is unexpected. SNK has meticulously designed his character to reflect his real-world athletic abilities, ensuring that his move set blends speed, precision, and flair. Fans can look forward to seeing his signature celebration, the famous “Siuu!” along with a range of devastating Super Special Moves that make him a formidable fighter.

City of the Wolves is the long-awaited sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves, a title widely praised by fans for its deep mechanics and stylish presentation. This new entry builds upon its predecessor’s revolutionary combat system by introducing the all-new REV System, adding further depth to the fighting experience. With features like REV Arts for enhanced special moves, REV Guard for precise defensive counters, and REV Blow for powerful attacks that can turn the tide of battle, SNK ensures this game caters to both casual players and competitive fighters alike.

Speaking of competition, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is gearing up to make its mark on the esports scene. The game will be showcased at the Esports World Cup (EWC), and with CR7 on the roster, anticipation is at an all-time high. Additionally, it will take center stage at EVO USA 2025 and EVO France 2025, solidifying its place within the fighting game community. Just the thought of professional players executing CR7’s “Blue Lightning Screw” Impact move in high-stakes matches is enough to excite any fighting game enthusiast.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo himself won’t be providing his in-game voice, SNK has enlisted top-tier voice actors to bring his character to life. Juan Felipe Sierra will handle the English voice-over, while Masaaki Mizunaka will voice him in Japanese. These performances will ensure that CR7’s presence in the game feels authentic, adding another layer of immersion to this groundbreaking collaboration.

This move by SNK signals a bold new direction for the studio. From the success of The King of Fighters XV to this unexpected yet exciting crossover, SNK continues to push boundaries in ways that keep its games fresh and engaging. By blending pop culture with deep fighting mechanics, the company expands its reach while maintaining the legacy that fans have cherished for decades.

For longtime fans of the series, City of the Wolves isn’t just a sequel—it’s a love letter to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The original game introduced Rock Howard and refined Fatal Fury’s mechanics to perfection, earning its reputation as one of the greatest pixel-art fighting games of all time. Now, with stunning visuals and innovative gameplay, SNK is reviving this legacy while ushering in a new era for the legendary franchise.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves launches on April 24, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The official trailers have already generated massive excitement, and anticipation continues to build as the release date approaches. Whether you're a veteran of the fighting game scene or a newcomer drawn in by CR7’s inclusion, one thing is certain—this collaboration will shake up the FGC in ways no one saw coming.

For more details, check out SNK’s official website: https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/fatalfury-cotw/