Gerard Piqué, the celebrated football icon, is embracing a new chapter following his illustrious career with FC Barcelona, Spain, and Manchester United. Having retired from professional football three years ago, Piqué has seamlessly transitioned into the realms of business, entertainment, and esports. His latest venture brought him to Riyadh for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), the largest esports festival globally, where he expressed his strong belief in esports as the future of entertainment.
During his visit, Piqué praised Saudi Arabia’s significant investment in the EWC, highlighting his excitement about the event’s atmosphere. He didn’t just observe; he participated in the EA FC game week’s Showmatch, alongside Team Kaká against Ronaldo Nazário. Piqué also explored the EWC Festival and appeared on EWC Spotlight. Furthermore, Piqué has launched the Kings League, a seven-a-side football competition with esports-inspired rules, which has gained immense popularity in Spain and Europe. He announced the Kings League MENA, set to debut in the Middle East in partnership with Surge. The expansion into the MENA region aligns with the shared passion for both football and esports among fans in Saudi Arabia and across the region, making it a prime location for this hybrid sporting experiment. Piqué has been vocal about the rapid growth of esports and the opportunities it offers. He sees gaming as a cultural force, and views Saudi Arabia’s investment as a smart move to reach a young audience that will consume and travel in the future. As the Esports World Cup 2025 continues, Piqué remains focused on the evolving synergy between football and esports, aiming to be at the forefront of this transformation.
