The Saudi Pro League (SPL) team, Al Nassr FC have inked a partnership with Mkers, an international leader in e-gaming.
With this deal, FC24 Esports World Cup champion João Afonso Vasconcelos, also known as “Jafonso,” will be sporting the official Esports Al Nassr shirt at the FC PRO qualifier in London on November 25.
With this collaboration, Al Nassr brings together two Portuguese champions under one banner: football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and esports champion Jafonso, the globe’s leading FC PRO player. This cooperation raises the club’s profile in both traditional and virtual football areas.
CEO of Al Nassr, Guido Fienga, commented, “This marks an important step in Al Nassr’s development within a burgeoning field beloved by our fans. Excellence and innovation are at the heart of our strategy, and with Jafonso, we aim to become a leading team in major international competitions immediately.”
CEO of Mkers, Luca Beccaceci, said, “Being selected by Al Nassr to establish an esports division is both an honor and a responsibility. This partnership transcends mere collaboration; it represents a shared vision to redefine competitive gaming. Together, we will strengthen this initiative and set a global standard.”
With investments totalling more over $500 million, the esports industry in Riyadh and Qiddiya saw exponential development in 2024. With historic events like the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, which drew over 45,000 live spectators and millions of online viewers, Saudi Arabia has established itself as a worldwide gaming hotspot, highlighting the growing importance of the sector.