In a move that blends sporting legend with cutting-edge technology, Cristiano Ronaldo has announced a significant investment in Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine that's rapidly gaining traction as a smarter alternative to traditional tools.
The Portuguese superstar, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence on the pitch, framed the partnership around a philosophy close to his heart: curiosity as the driving force behind achievement.
"Curiosity is essential for greatness," Ronaldo stated. "You win when you keep asking new questions every day. That's why I'm proud to announce my investment in Perplexity. Perplexity fuels the world's curiosity, and together we'll inspire everyone to ask bolder questions."
The announcement comes with a dedicated landing page on Perplexity's site, featuring Ronaldo's endorsement and tailored prompts exploring themes of ambition, innovation, and lifelong learning.
While exact financial details remain undisclosed - typical for high-profile celebrity investments - the partnership underscores Ronaldo's growing portfolio in tech and wellness ventures.
This isn't Ronaldo's first foray into strategic investing. He's an early backer of Whoop, the wearable fitness tracker that has exploded in popularity among athletes and health enthusiasts, boasting a valuation in the billions and partnerships with major sports leagues. Ronaldo has publicly credited Whoop for optimizing his training and recovery routines, helping extend one of the longest elite careers in football history.
The Perplexity tie-in traces back to October 2025, when Ronaldo accepted the prestigious Globe Prestige Award at the Portugal Football Globes ceremony. During his speech, he revealed using Perplexity to research the award's history and calm his nerves beforehand - a moment that now appears as deliberate foreshadowing.
Perplexity, founded in 2022 by former Google and OpenAI engineers, differentiates itself with real-time, cited answers powered by advanced models, boasting over 10 million weekly queries and rapid growth in the competitive AI search space.
Ronaldo joins a wave of athletes turning entrepreneurial post-prime. Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini co-founded GF Biochemicals, a biotech firm pioneering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products, reportedly valued at over $30 billion at its peak. Similarly, stars like LeBron James and Serena Williams have built diverse empires through venture capital and brand partnerships.
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For Ronaldo, now 40 and still performing at the highest level with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, these investments reflect a forward-thinking mindset. With career earnings exceeding $1 billion from salaries, endorsements, and business ventures, he's positioning himself not just as football's all-time leading scorer but as a savvy investor betting on technologies that enhance human potential - much like his own unyielding drive to improve.
As AI reshapes how we seek knowledge and push boundaries, Ronaldo's backing of Perplexity sends a powerful message: true champions never stop questioning, learning, or evolving. In a world of instant answers, curiosity remains the ultimate competitive edge.
