Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo invested in Perplexity AI, marking the most significant step of his career into the technology sector. While the financial terms and size of the stake were not disclosed, the move reflects a major strategic expansion for the athlete-turned-businessman.
Investor + Global Partner
Beyond taking an equity stake, Ronaldo has also joined Perplexity as a global partner, aligning his global brand with one of the fastest-growing companies in artificial intelligence.
The partnership builds on Ronaldo’s personal experience with the product. He revealed that he used Perplexity’s AI tools to help craft his Prestige Globe Award speech in October 2025, a moment that sparked his interest in the platform and ultimately led him to invest.
“Perplexity x CR7” Hub Launches
To mark the collaboration, Perplexity launched a dedicated “Perplexity x CR7” digital hub, offering fans a dynamic, AI-driven experience featuring:
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Career highlights
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Key stats and achievements
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Select images and historic moments
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Curated Q&A and interactive content
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Exclusive CR7 content, with more planned
The hub integrates Ronaldo’s global fandom into the Perplexity ecosystem, leveraging his massive social media reach of over one billion followers.
Perplexity’s Rise in the AI Sector
Founded in 2022, Perplexity brands itself as an “answer engine” that provides real-time, sourced responses, positioning itself as a next-generation competitor to traditional search engines like Google.
The San Francisco–based company was valued at about $20 billion in a September 2025 funding round and has rapidly expanded with new enterprise tools, subscriptions, and international features.
Ronaldo’s Shift Into Tech
Historically, Ronaldo’s investments have focused on Portugal-based businesses, including hotels, gyms, a media group, and the Lisboa Racket Center.
His move into artificial intelligence represents a significant strategic shift, signaling both confidence in the sector and a desire to extend his influence into global technology markets.
FAQ: Ronaldo invested in Perplexity AI
Q: Did Cristiano Ronaldo invest in Perplexity AI?
A: Yes. Ronaldo has made an equity investment in Perplexity AI, marking his most significant move into the technology sector to date.
Q: Is this just a sponsorship, or is Ronaldo a shareholder?
A: It is both. Ronaldo is now a shareholder in Perplexity AI and has also joined the company as a global partner under a multi-year collaboration.
Q: How much did Ronaldo invest in Perplexity?
A: The financial terms and the size of Ronaldo’s stake have not been publicly disclosed.
Q: Why did Cristiano Ronaldo choose to invest in Perplexity AI?
A: Ronaldo says the decision aligns with his belief that “curiosity is a requirement for greatness.”
He also revealed that he used Perplexity to help prepare his Prestige Globe Award speech, showcasing how the tool supports his professional work.
Q: What is the “Perplexity x CR7” digital hub?
A: It is an interactive fan experience on the Perplexity platform that includes:
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Career highlights and achievements
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Rare images and video moments
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Curated questions and stats
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Exclusive CR7 content
More features and merchandise will be added over time.
Q: What does Ronaldo’s partnership mean for Perplexity AI?
A: Ronaldo’s global influence—over 1 billion social media followers—is expected to dramatically expand Perplexity’s visibility in key markets such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Q: What is Perplexity AI?
A: Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that delivers real-time, cited answers. Founded in 2022, it is considered a rising competitor to traditional search engines like Google.
Q: How much is Perplexity AI worth?
A: The company was valued at around $20 billion during a funding round in September 2025.
Q: Is this Ronaldo’s first major tech investment?
A: Yes. While he has invested in hotels, gyms, media, and sports facilities, this is his largest and most international technology investment to date.
