Football
ESPN staff 7y

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo named global cover star of FIFA 18

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the global cover star of FIFA 18, marking the first time Real Madrid star will be featured.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner led Los Blancos to their third Champions League title in four years with a 4-1 defeat of Serie A champions Juventus on Saturday.

Ronaldo, 32, scored two goals in a man-of-the-match performance in the triumph and on Monday was announced as the face of the latest edition of EA Sports' popular video game franchise.

"It is a real pleasure to be on the cover of FIFA 18," Ronaldo said. "It's a great feeling and I am grateful to have been chosen."

Ronaldo ran his career goals tally to 600 for both club and country in the Champions League final, and became the only player alongside Alfredo Di Stefano to score in three different European Cup/Champions League finals.

The strikes also marked his 105th in the competition, putting him well clear of Lionel Messi at the top of the all-time scoring list. Messi has featured on four FIFA covers.

"The world's best player has helped fuel the biggest leap forward on the pitch that we've ever delivered," said Senior Producer for EA SPORTS FIFA Aaron McHardy.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Cristiano -- working with him we learned a lot about his unique play style and what makes him so special. His passion, energy and global fanbase make him the perfect ambassador for FIFA 18."

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus featured on the cover last year's edition after winning a fan vote.

The 27-year-old beat out Real's James Rodriguez, Manchester United's Anthony Martial and Chelsea's Eden Hazard as receiving the most of over 3.1 million votes cast on EA's website.

FIFA 18 is scheduled to be released worldwide on on Sept. 29.

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