Cristiano Ronaldo’s FOOTLAB to open US esports-football hub

FOOTLAB World has selected Santa Ana in Orange County, California, as the location for its first facility in the United States. 

The 165,000-square-foot facility will integrate football, advanced sports technology, and entertainment upon its launch.

Owned by international football figures Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) and Rui Costa, alongside 7EGEND, the project is described as the world’s first AI-powered football performance and entertainment franchise. Its development is supported by a partnership with Stake Investors, with plans to become the largest FOOTLAB facility worldwide.

This is FOOTLAB’s fourth venue with facilities also located in Almaty (Kazakhstan), Dubai and Lisbon.

The Orange County site is conceived to combine advanced performance technology with a comprehensive community model. 

For starters, it will employ proprietary AI systems, allowing players of all skill levels to train, compete, and track real-time performance metrics. 

The facility will feature indoor and outdoor pitches, as well as multiplayer and individual training stations. 

The hub also aims to bridge the gap between physical football and esports, making this integrated ecosystem accessible to all.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement in the digital sports sector is further evidenced by his separate £32m investment in UFL, a free-to-play video game that has also involved itself in esports.

Paulo Almeida, FOOTLAB’s COO, described the launch as a defining moment in the brand’s global expansion: “Orange County stands out as the perfect stage, with its passion for sport and diverse community. We’re creating an experience unlike anything the US has seen before.” 

Beyond training, FOOTLAB Orange County will host global tournaments, events, and brand activations, positioning itself as a hub for sports and lifestyle experiences.