Portugal defeats Uzbekistan 2-1 as Ronaldo's crypto ties keep his brand in the digital spotlight

Portugal beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup Group K match on June 23 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes each found the back of the net, keeping Portugal’s tournament hopes firmly alive.

For crypto watchers, Ronaldo’s name carries weight beyond the pitch. He remains one of the most prominent athletes with active ties to the digital asset industry, thanks to his multi-year NFT partnership with Binance. Yet despite the global attention his World Cup performance commands, the match itself produced zero observable movement in crypto markets connected to his brand.

Ronaldo’s Binance partnership and the NFT question

Ronaldo’s relationship with Binance has produced several NFT collections under the CR7 brand. Notable drops include the ForeverZone and ForeverSkills collections, which feature digital collectibles tied to moments and milestones from his career. Holders of these NFTs have been promised exclusive perks, a model that’s become standard in the athlete-meets-blockchain playbook.

The partnership has continued into mid-2026 with additional drops.