Famous Football Players Who Partnered with Top Gambling Brands

Portugal's Endorsement Kings

Famous football players are highly sought after by brands to serve as ambassadors, leveraging their influence to promote products and services. For players, these partnerships provide a lucrative way to capitalize on their image and significantly increase their income. However, endorsements come with risks. Aligning with the wrong brand—one that fails to meet customer expectations or faces controversy—can damage a player's reputation.

This is especially relevant in the gambling industry. While football and betting have a long-standing relationship, many players remain selective about which brands they endorse. Nonetheless, some Portuguese football stars have partnered with betting companies, helping them expand their reach while adding credibility to their offerings.

Luis Figo

Luis Figo is one of Portugal’s most iconic footballers, known for his success at both the club and international levels. Developed in Sporting CP’s academy, he debuted in the Primeira Liga in 1990 before making a high-profile move to Barcelona in 1995. During his five seasons with the club, he won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and two continental championships.

In 2000, Figo made headlines with a then-record €60 million transfer to Real Madrid. With Los Blancos, he added two more La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, a Champions League title, a European Super Cup, and an Intercontinental Cup to his collection. His individual brilliance was recognized with a Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year award. His career concluded at Inter Milan in 2009, where he won four consecutive Serie A titles.

Given his status as one of the most famous Portugal football players, it’s no surprise that betting company Lebull chose him as their brand ambassador. Figo cited trustworthiness, transparency, and service quality as key factors in his decision to collaborate with the brand.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo boasts an unparalleled career with five Ballon d’Or awards, five FIFA World Player of the Year titles, and four Golden Boots. Having played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, his influence extends far beyond the pitch. With a brand value estimated at €850 million, Ronaldo is one of the most marketable athletes in the world.

In 2015, he signed an endorsement deal with PokerStars, promoting the game of poker globally. As part of the agreement, Ronaldo participated in online poker tournaments, competing alongside fans and serving as the face of multiple campaigns. His involvement added prestige to the brand, demonstrating how famous football players can bring credibility and attention to gambling companies.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes has established himself as one of Portugal’s most dynamic and creative midfielders. A key player for Manchester United and the Portuguese national team, he has won major honors such as the FA Cup and the UEFA Nations League.

Although Fernandes has not partnered with a traditional betting company, he serves as a brand ambassador for RealFevr, a Portuguese startup specializing in fantasy football and blockchain-based gaming products. While not directly linked to gambling, RealFevr operates in a space closely related to the betting industry, reflecting the growing overlap between sports, technology, and gaming.

Nuno Gomes

While Nuno Gomes may not have the same global profile as Figo or Ronaldo, he remains a respected figure in Portuguese football. The former Benfica and Fiorentina striker built a reputation as a prolific goalscorer, netting 227 goals during his career across all competitions.

Recognizing him as a famous Portugal football player, BetConstruct selected Gomes as their brand ambassador to help them establish a presence in Portugal. As the face of their marketing campaigns, he played a key role in connecting the brand with Portuguese football fans.

How do Gambling Sponsorships Work?

Betting companies offer lucrative sponsorship deals to famous footballers, securing their image and influence for a set period. These agreements typically involve players appearing in advertising campaigns, play casino table games online, attending promotional events, and endorsing the brand on social media.

To maintain exclusivity, players are usually prohibited from partnering with competing betting brands during the contract period, making the relationship between soccer and gambling a bit awkward.

Who Is the Most Famous Portugal Soccer Player?

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as the most famous Portuguese footballer of all time, making him one of the most sought-after brand ambassadors. His influence extends beyond sports, shaping trends in fitness, fashion, and lifestyle.

With one billion social media followers, Ronaldo’s reach is unmatched, making any product he endorses highly visible. However, securing his partnership comes at a premium, with endorsement deals reaching well into the seven-figure range.