FC Porto and Luna eSports Renew Strategic Partnership for Two More Seasons

FC Porto has officially renewed its partnership with Luna eSports for an additional two seasons, marking a significant milestone in the club’s growing commitment to the global eSports sector. The renewal was announced during a formal presentation ceremony held at the Estádio do Dragão, where representatives of both institutions celebrated the continuation of a project that they describe as “a legacy to continue to honor.”

The partnership, which originally began in 2024, links FC Porto with Luna eSports—an organization founded by professional footballer Diogo Jota—combining traditional football heritage with modern competitive gaming. The collaboration has already gained substantial traction within the Portuguese eSports community, and the extension signals the institutions’ shared confidence in the project’s future.

During the ceremony, a Luna eSports representative was pictured receiving a customized FC Porto jersey with the name Rute Cardoso and the number 19 printed on the back. The exchange took place against a backdrop of FC Porto’s iconic trophy displays, symbolizing a fusion of traditional sporting prestige and digital athletic innovation. Club officials highlighted that such symbolic gestures reaffirm the club’s broader mission of incorporating emerging sports trends into its institutional identity.

A Partnership Bridging Tradition and Innovation

FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most decorated football clubs, has increasingly embraced the evolution of sports culture beyond the pitch. The partnership with Luna eSports reflects a global trend in which traditional sports teams are expanding their brand presence into competitive gaming—a sector estimated to reach hundreds of millions of participants worldwide.

For FC Porto, entering and strengthening its presence in the eSports ecosystem offers new opportunities for fan engagement, digital visibility, and international reach. Club executives have emphasized that younger audiences, especially digital-native fans, are hugely influential in shaping the future of sports consumption. By working with a reputable and fast-growing organization like Luna eSports, FC Porto is positioning itself at the forefront of this cultural shift.

Luna eSports, founded by Portuguese football star Diogo Jota, has quickly become one of the most dynamic names in Portugal’s competitive gaming scene. The team is actively involved in multiple gaming categories, including FIFA/EA FC competitions—where connections to footballing institutions are especially relevant. Their alignment with FC Porto expands both their credibility and their operational infrastructure, enabling them to compete at higher levels both domestically and internationally.

Celebrating a Successful First Year

The announcement highlights the success of the partnership’s first year, which began in early 2024. In this short period, both groups have collaborated on multiple events, digital content projects, and competitive engagements. According to FC Porto’s communication team, the renewal is a direct result of positive developments witnessed throughout the inaugural season.

The eSports sector thrives on community engagement, and FC Porto’s brand appeal has significantly boosted Luna eSports’ visibility among fans of traditional football. Conversely, Luna’s active presence in gaming tournaments has introduced FC Porto’s emblem to new audiences and demographics, extending the club’s cultural reach in a fast-evolving digital environment.

The partnership has also contributed to highlighting Portugal’s emergence as a competitive hub in the European gaming scene. With both institutions sharing a strategic focus on youth engagement and digital innovation, the collaboration is viewed as mutually beneficial and essential for maintaining long-term relevance in an increasingly digital sports world.

Symbolic Ceremony Marks the Beginning of New Objectives

In the image shared on social media, a Luna eSports representative is presented standing alongside an FC Porto administrator. The official is shown dressed in a formal suit, offering what appears to be a commemorative box or plaque, while the eSports representative holds the new personalized FC Porto jersey. Their expressions convey pride and professionalism, reflecting the importance of the occasion.

Behind them, the iconic silver trophies from FC Porto’s illustrious football history highlight the club’s enduring commitment to excellence—whether on the field or in digital arenas. For observers, the setting embodies FC Porto’s message: tradition and innovation can coexist, reinforcing rather than replacing one another.

The presence of the name Rute Cardoso on the jersey suggests a gesture of recognition, appreciation, or formal welcome within the partnership framework. Although not much is stated publicly in the caption about her specific role, the inclusion of a personalized jersey is often symbolic of integration and official endorsement.

Growing Influence of eSports in Portugal

Portugal has experienced a notable expansion in eSports viewership, player participation, and tournament organization in recent years. Institutions like Luna eSports have contributed significantly to this development, and partnerships with major football clubs add credibility to the growing ecosystem.

FC Porto’s continued investment in eSports mirrors trends among major global football clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Barcelona, which have also established or expanded official eSports teams. These partnerships cater to a generation that increasingly blends traditional and digital sporting passions.

By renewing the partnership for two more seasons, FC Porto signals long-term confidence in the competitive gaming sector’s upward trajectory. The club also communicates its intention to remain a relevant player not just in football, but in all modern domains of competitive athletics.

Looking Forward

As FC Porto and Luna eSports embark on the next phase of their collaboration, both organizations are expected to expand their competitive presence, engage more actively with fans, and develop innovative digital initiatives. The next two seasons will likely include participation in major leagues, enhanced social media campaigns, cross-promotional events, and continued integration of eSports into FC Porto’s broader sports culture.

Above all, the renewal underscores a shared commitment between traditional sports and emerging digital ecosystems—a partnership built not only on competitive success but also on cultural evolution.

The announcement concludes with a clear message: “A legacy to continue to honor.” With both institutions poised for continued growth, their partnership stands as a symbol of how sports traditions can evolve while embracing the future.