Cristiano Ronaldo’s FOOTLAB to open an esports and soccer center in the U.S.

FOOTLAB World has selected Santa Ana, Orange County, California, as the location for its first facility in the United States. The 15,300-square-meter facility will integrate soccer, advanced sports technology and entertainment from the moment it opens.

Owned by international soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) and Rui Costa, together with 7EGENDthe project is described as the world’s first franchise dedicated to soccer performance and entertainment powered by artificial intelligence.. Its development is supported by a partnership with Stake Investors, with plans to become the world’s largest FOOTLAB facility.

This is the fourth FOOTLAB site, which also has facilities in Almaty (Kazakhstan), Dubai and Lisbon.

FOOTLAB HQ sets grand opening date for 2026

The Orange County venue is designed to combine advanced performance technology with a comprehensive community model. For starters, it will employ proprietary artificial intelligence systems, allowing players of all levels to train, compete and track performance metrics in real time.

The facility will feature indoor and outdoor fields, as well as multiplayer and individual training stations. The center also aims to bridge the gap between traditional soccer and e-sports, making this integrated ecosystem accessible to all.

Orange County stands out as the perfect setting, with its passion for the sport and its diverse community. We are creating an experience unlike anything seen before in the United States.

Paulo Almeida, FOOTLAB Director of Operations

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