Riyadh, November 25, 2024 – In a landmark development for the world of esports, AlNassr Football Club has officially signed a groundbreaking partnership agreement with Mkers, a global leader in the esports industry. This collaboration marks a significant moment for the Saudi club as it continues to expand its presence not only in traditional football but also within the rapidly growing virtual soccer arena.
As part of this historic partnership, João Afonso Vasconcelos – widely recognized in the esports world by his gamer tag, Jafonso – will represent AlNassr by wearing the official Esports AlNassr jersey during the highly anticipated FC PRO qualifier in London, scheduled for November 25, 2024. Jafonso, the reigning champion of the prestigious FC24 Esports World Cup, is regarded as one of the world’s top-tier professional esports players and currently holds the title of the number-one ranked player in the competitive FC PRO scene. His exceptional skills and unrivaled competitive record in virtual soccer have already earned him global recognition, making him a natural fit for this strategic partnership.
This collaboration not only brings together two formidable Portuguese talents but also places AlNassr at the forefront of both the traditional football and esports landscapes. The club, already renowned for its association with global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, now unites these two champions under one emblem – a rare fusion of excellence in both the physical and digital realms of sport. Ronaldo’s legendary status as a footballing great is now complemented by Jafonso’s dominance in esports, symbolizing the club’s commitment to expanding its global footprint.
AlNassr’s CEO, Guido Fienga, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “This agreement represents a major step forward in AlNassr’s strategy to embrace the burgeoning world of esports. Our vision is clear: to be at the cutting edge of both traditional sports and digital competition. With Jafonso joining our team, we aim to assert ourselves as leaders in international esports competitions, immediately becoming a prominent force in the global gaming scene. Excellence, innovation, and passion are at the heart of everything we do, and this collaboration perfectly aligns with our long-term goals.”
Luca Beccaceci, CEO of Mkers, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the partnership. “Being chosen by AlNassr to help establish their esports division is both an incredible honor and a great responsibility,” said Beccaceci. “This collaboration goes far beyond just a traditional partnership; it embodies our shared vision of revolutionizing competitive gaming on a global scale. Together, AlNassr and Mkers are committed to redefining esports and setting a new standard for excellence that will resonate across the esports world.”
The announcement of this collaboration comes at a time when the esports sector in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid and unprecedented growth. With investments exceeding $500 million in 2024 alone, Riyadh and Qiddiya have emerged as key global esports hubs. Saudi Arabia’s growing importance in the global gaming industry was further underscored by the recent success of the Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, which attracted more than 45,000 live spectators and millions of online viewers, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a leader in this space.
This strategic partnership between AlNassr and Mkers is a testament to the Kingdom’s long-term vision of becoming a central player in the esports sector, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and its ambition to shape the future of competitive gaming. By bringing together one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world with a global esports powerhouse like Mkers, AlNassr is set to play a pivotal role in the future of esports, both in the region and worldwide.
With this partnership, AlNassr not only continues to build on its football legacy but also solidifies its position at the cutting edge of digital sports, ensuring its legacy endures in both the physical and virtual worlds of competition.