Cristiano Ronaldo has invested in AI search startup Perplexity, deepening his involvement with the fast-growing platform after previously using it for a public speech.
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Lisbon, Portugal – December 6, 2025:
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has stepped deeper into the world of artificial intelligence, announcing on Friday that he has invested in Perplexity, an AI-powered search and answer platform. The move adds a new chapter to Ronaldo’s expanding business portfolio and reflects a rising trend among global celebrities who are increasingly backing high-growth tech ventures.
In his announcement, Ronaldo emphasized curiosity as a driving force behind his success. “Curiosity is the prerequisite for greatness. When you ask new questions every day, that's when you win,” he said. According to him, Perplexity aligns perfectly with this mindset: “Perplexity is driving the world's curiosity, and together we will inspire people to ask bigger questions.”
This framing gives the partnership a personal edge—positioning Ronaldo not just as an investor but as someone who identifies with the company’s mission.
This is not Ronaldo’s first interaction with Perplexity. Earlier this year, he ignited a major online conversation when he admitted to using the AI tool to help craft a speech for an awards ceremony. Struggling to decide what to say, he turned to Perplexity for guidance. The confession spurred a debate about whether celebrities should rely on AI for public appearances, raising questions about authenticity, transparency, and the evolving role of AI in public life.
That moment now appears to have been an early signal of Ronaldo’s deeper interest in the platform.
Founded in 2022, Perplexity describes itself as an AI-driven search and answer engine. Unlike traditional search platforms, it gathers information from verified sources and delivers concise, conversational summaries. Its popularity has surged in recent years as AI-driven search transforms how people interact with information online.
Ronaldo’s involvement adds star power to Perplexity’s momentum—potentially accelerating its global reach at a time when competition among AI search tools is intensifying.
Ronaldo is not new to investment ventures, but entering the AI search space sends a clear message: elite athletes and public figures increasingly see artificial intelligence as a frontier worth backing early.
His investment also highlights a new dynamic in the tech world: celebrities are no longer merely endorsers but strategic partners who can amplify global adoption. With Ronaldo’s massive social media footprint, Perplexity gains access to a worldwide audience beyond tech circles.
Ronaldo’s investment signals more than a business decision—it reflects the ongoing integration of AI into everyday life, including how public figures prepare, communicate, and shape their image. As AI tools like Perplexity continue to grow, we can expect more celebrities to openly engage with—and invest in—this rapidly evolving technology.
The move marks a notable moment where sports, technology, and global influence intersect, offering a glimpse into how AI will shape the future of public communication and personal branding.