Cristiano Ronaldo has entered a new chapter in his off-pitch career by becoming a global partner and investor in Perplexity, the fast-growing AI answer engine seen as one of the main challengers to ChatGPT. The agreement links one of the most decorated athletes in football history with a platform built around real-time, cited information and deep, exploratory search. It also underscores how elite performers are increasingly turning to advanced AI tools to support decision-making, learning, and long-term performance.
An AI Platform Built Around Curiosity
Perplexity, founded in 2022, positions itself not as a generic chatbot but as an answer engine that combines conversational responses with verifiable sources. The product is designed for users who value research, iteration, and rigorous questioning, reflecting a mindset of continuous improvement rather than quick one-off queries. Ronaldo’s public endorsement emphasizes that he sees curiosity as a core ingredient of greatness, aligning closely with Perplexity’s message that better questions lead to better outcomes.
From User to Investor and Strategic Partner
The partnership extends beyond a conventional sponsorship or marketing endorsement. Ronaldo has disclosed that he has relied on Perplexity to prepare for high-stakes moments, including a speech at the Portugal Football Globes, where he used the platform to better understand the award he was receiving. By taking an equity stake in the company, he signals that he regards trusted AI as part of the toolkit top performers will increasingly use to think, prepare, and move from information to decisive action.
Launch of the Perplexity x CR7 Experience
To activate the collaboration, Perplexity is unveiling a dedicated Cristiano Ronaldo hub, branded as an interactive CR7 experience for fans worldwide. The digital space allows users to explore his two-decade career, revisit iconic goals, examine rare images, and navigate curated questions that surface key moments and statistics. Over time, Perplexity plans to add new content, experiences, and exclusive merchandise, turning the hub into a living archive that blends AI, storytelling, and fan engagement.
Expanding Ronaldo’s Business and Technology Portfolio
Ronaldo’s move into AI adds another dimension to a business empire that already includes wellness, hospitality, and technology investments. His backing of Perplexity, a company reported to be valued at around $20 billion, reflects a broader pattern of elite athletes placing capital into high-growth, innovation-driven sectors as they build long-term entrepreneurial portfolios. The investment sits alongside previous bets on performance and optimization tools, reinforcing his positioning as a figure who adopts and amplifies technologies that promise gains in learning, preparation, and longevity.
The Perplexity partnership marks a notable convergence of elite sport, artificial intelligence, and consumer technology. For Perplexity, aligning with one of the most recognized athletes on the planet offers global visibility and a powerful proof point that its product resonates with high-performance users outside the tech industry. For Ronaldo, the deal deepens his role as an investor and technology advocate, while signaling how AI answer engines are moving from experimental tools to everyday infrastructure for those pursuing excellence over the long term.