The announcement of the latest edition of FIFA, FIFA 21, was met with mixed reactions from fans. One of the biggest surprises was the absence of one of the game’s most recognizable faces, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Juventus forward, who had been a regular feature in the game for over a decade, was nowhere to be found. This sparked numerous questions from fans, with many wondering why Ronaldo was missing from FIFA 21.
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated. While there is no one definitive reason for Ronaldo’s absence, there are several factors that may have contributed to it. One of the most significant factors is the ongoing legal battle between Ronaldo and EA Sports, the company that produces FIFA.
In 2019, Ronaldo filed a lawsuit against EA Sports, alleging that the company had used his likeness without his permission in FIFA 19. The lawsuit claimed that Ronaldo’s image had been used to promote the game, including on the cover, without his consent. While EA Sports denied the allegations, the lawsuit is still ongoing, and it is possible that Ronaldo’s absence from FIFA 21 is a result of this legal battle.
Another possible reason for Ronaldo’s absence from FIFA 21 is his exclusive licensing agreement with Konami, the company behind Pro Evolution Soccer (PES). In 2020, it was announced that Ronaldo had signed a multi-year deal with Konami to become a brand ambassador for PES. This agreement may have prevented Ronaldo from appearing in FIFA 21, as EA Sports would have had to negotiate a separate licensing agreement with Konami to include him in the game.
Finally, there is the possibility that Ronaldo simply chose not to be included in FIFA 21. While this seems unlikely, given the massive popularity of the game and the exposure it provides, it is possible that Ronaldo decided to take a break from appearing in FIFA for personal reasons.
Regardless of the reason for his absence, Ronaldo’s absence from FIFA 21 is a significant loss for the game. Ronaldo has been one of the most dominant and recognizable players in world football for over a decade, and his absence will be felt by fans. However, there are still plenty of talented and exciting players to choose from in FIFA 21, and the game remains one of the most popular sports simulations in the world.
In conclusion, while the exact reason for Ronaldo’s absence from FIFA 21 is unclear, there are several factors that may have contributed to it. The ongoing legal battle between Ronaldo and EA Sports, his exclusive licensing agreement with Konami, and personal reasons could all be factors. Regardless of the reason, Ronaldo’s absence is a significant loss for FIFA 21, but the game remains a hugely popular and enjoyable experience for fans of all ages.
