Why can’t Ronaldo play in FIFA? A closer look at the licensing issues
One of the most common questions among football fans is why Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, does not have his name and likeness featured in the FIFA video game series. The absence of Ronaldo in FIFA has sparked debates and discussions, leaving fans wondering about the reasons behind this licensing issue. Let’s take a closer look at the various factors involved.
Licensing agreements play a crucial role in determining which players can appear in video games like FIFA. The licensing process can be complex and involves negotiations between multiple parties, including the player, their agents, the game developers, and various governing bodies. In Ronaldo’s case, there are a few key reasons why his presence is missing from the FIFA franchise.
Firstly, it is important to note that FIFA holds an exclusive licensing agreement with rival game developer Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series for the use of Juventus, the Italian club Ronaldo currently plays for. This agreement grants PES sole rights to feature Juventus in their game, including all player likenesses and names. Consequently, FIFA is unable to include Ronaldo as a Juventus player due to this exclusivity deal.
Secondly, individual player licensing is another important factor. While EA Sports, the developer of FIFA, has secured licensing rights for numerous players, some players negotiate their own individual agreements separately. Ronaldo is known for being highly particular about his image rights and reportedly demands a hefty fee for the use of his name and likeness. These negotiations can be complex and time-consuming, which may have contributed to the absence of Ronaldo’s presence in FIFA.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Ronaldo has an existing partnership with Konami, the developers of PES. In the past, he has been featured prominently in their game, including being the cover star for PES 2008 and PES 2012. This existing relationship with Konami could potentially be a roadblock in securing his appearance in FIFA.
Additionally, the ongoing competition between FIFA and PES in the football gaming market could also be a contributing factor. Both game developers continually strive to secure exclusive licenses and partnerships with clubs, leagues, and players to attract more fans. This competitive environment may have resulted in legal complexities and exclusivity agreements that prevent certain players from appearing in both games.
It is important to note that licensing issues are not exclusive to Ronaldo; other high-profile players have also faced similar limitations in FIFA due to various reasons. For instance, Brazilian legend Romário was absent from FIFA games for a long time due to licensing disputes with EA Sports.
In conclusion, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo in FIFA is primarily a result of complex licensing agreements, exclusivity deals, individual player negotiations, and the competitive environment between game developers. While fans can still enjoy Ronaldo’s presence in other game modes and clubs, the licensing issues currently prevent his inclusion as a Juventus player. However, as licensing agreements evolve and change over time, it remains possible that we may see Ronaldo back in FIFA in the future.
