Real Madrid’s Ronaldo Makes FIFA 18 Cover

There isn’t much Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t accomplished in his illustrious soccer career. But this fall, the Real Madrid forward will add another milestone to his trophy case of achievements when he finds himself on the cover of FIFA 18.

Making his professional debut for Sporting CP B in Portugal during the 2002-2003 season, Ronaldo would go on to play for Manchester United and Real Madrid, where he would work to cement his reputation as one of soccer’s greatest athletes both on and off the pitch. 

Named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2016, Ronaldo has scored more goals in European play than any other player at 100, and he has appeared for the Portuguese national team more than 135 times. He’s also the only European soccer player to win the Ballon d’Or four times.

Aaron McHardy, senior producer for EA Sports FIFA, said in a press release that Ronaldo not only brings something special to the game of soccer through his unique playing style but that the forward is a great partner for the FIFA franchise because of his love for the game:

The world’s best player has helped fuel the biggest leap forward on the pitch that we’ve ever delivered. We are extremely excited to partner with Cristiano — working with him we learned a lot about his unique play style and what makes him so special. His passion, energy, and global fanbase make him the perfect ambassador for FIFA 18.

Ronaldo was also a key element in the development of FIFA 18. Not only did EA hold a special training session to rigorously evaluate Ronaldo’s football acumen “to bring veracity to his likeness and personality” in-game, but also to inform the ways in which FIFA 18 will play. 

Gamers looking to learn more about how Ronaldo influenced the upcoming installment of the franchise and how he will impact gameplay can check out EA Play on June 10, beginning at 3 p.m. EST on EA.com. 

Those who want to get their hands on the game early can also choose between several options. Pre-ordering The Ronaldo Edition of FIFA 18 for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC will allow gamers to take to the pitch three days early on September 26 and get up to $60 of bonus content. Those who pre-purchase the ICON edition will also receive access three days early. 

On top of that, EA Access and Origin Access subscribers will get 10 free hours of FIFA 18 gameplay starting September 21. 

FIFA 18 will release worldwide for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on September 29.