Riyadh, 24.11.2024 - Al Nassr, the club that has already revolutionized international soccer with the arrival of legend Cristiano Ronaldo, signs another epic page in its history.
This time, the stage is not the grass field, but the digital one: the Al Nassr Esports division, in partnership with Mkers, the International leader in competitive gaming, marks the Saudi club's triumphant entry into Esports. Elevating this initiative is the signing of Portuguese star João Afonso Vasconcelos, globally renowned as “Jafonso,” the FC24 Esports World Cup champion.
With this acquisition, Al Nassr unites two Portuguese champions under the same symbol: living soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Jafonso, the world number one ranked FC PRO. A move that consolidates the club's prestige on two fronts: real and virtual soccer.
A co-created asset: much more than an Esports team
This collaboration goes far beyond mere competition. Al Nassr and Mkers have designed a new partnership model, creating a true shared asset. In addition to technical and competitive management, Mkers brings its commercial and strategic expertise, offering innovative marketing tools to maximize the impact of the Esports division. It is a partnership that reflects the Saudi club's vision: not just to participate, but to excel, redefining Esports standards globally.
The legacy of a champion: Jafonso at the center of the project
Crowned world champion in Riyadh in 2024, Jafonso stands as the emblem of this ambitious initiative. The young Portuguese prodigy will wear the official jersey of the Esports Al Nassr powered by Mkers division, supplied by Adidas, on November 25 at the FC PRO qualifier in London.
Guido Fienga, CEO of Al Nassr:
“It is an important step to continue the development of Al Nassr in a new field of play that is very popular with our fans. Excellence and innovation are at the heart of our strategy and with Mkers and Jafonso we aspire to be a winning team in major international competitions right away.”
Luca Beccaceci, CEO of Mkers, said:
“Being chosen by a club like Al Nassr to build an Esports division together is both an honor and a responsibility. This partnership goes beyond mere collaboration; it embodies a shared vision to redefine the competitive gaming industry. We will work together to consolidate this project and establish it as a global benchmark.”
Numbers and ambitions for the future
Al Nassr's Esports division is part of a context of extraordinary investments: in 2024 alone, Riyadh and Qiddiya saw the Esports sector grow exponentially through investments exceeding $500 million, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming. Events such as the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh have attracted more than 45,000 live spectators and millions of streaming views, highlighting the growing relevance of the industry.
Al Nassr Esports is not just an ambitious initiative, but a reality built to dominate an ever-expanding market. Fueled by a passionate gaming community and an innovative strategic vision, the partnership with Mkers embodies the future of competitive sports, inspiring millions of fans in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
