Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most influential athletes in the world and his influence transcends the soccer field. He is also one of the most commercial sought after athletes in history, with companies across every sector eager to strike a deal with the most followed athlete in the world.

'But Ronaldo isn't a fictional character,' you might say. And that's fair. On that front, it's worth noting that both football and SNK-developed fighting games are especially popular in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries including Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

SNK’s decision to include soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as a playable character in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is bemusing franchise fans. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer is part of the upcoming PS5 and PS4 game’s base roster – this isn’t a pre-order bonus, unlockable costume, or promotional clip.