Ronaldo featured in Changan Hunter ad, vehicle used by Russia to launch drones

Sponsorship deal with Chinese conglomerate

In May 2026, the Portuguese Football Federation signed a sponsorship contract with the Chinese automotive conglomerate Changan Automobile. Company executives stated that such cooperation opens new opportunities for brand promotion and interaction with the audience in the region.

In early October, advertising materials featuring Portugal national team footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo, appeared on the main Changan Automobile website. Five players from the national team participated in the campaign. Their images were placed above five cars of different models, including the Hunter pick-up. The advertisement was accompanied by the slogan “Stay in the game!”.

Changan Automobile Vice President Mi Mendun explained this slogan using football terminology in a press release dedicated to the launch of the sponsorship campaign in May.

«У футболі залишатися "у грі" означає повну віддачу — кожне відбирання мʼяча, кожну секунду концентрації та кожен точний пас», — зазначав представник китайської компанії. (In football, staying "in the game" means full commitment — every ball win, every second of concentration, and every precise pass, the representative of the Chinese company stated.)

Use of equipment in the war against Ukraine

Meanwhile, journalists found that the Russian army uses pick-ups from this manufacturer to launch strike drones at Ukraine. During the investigation, it was established that certain Changan models, including the Hunter pick-up, are used by Russian troops in the war against Ukraine. Specifically, these vehicles serve as mobile platforms for launching strike drones, which are used against both military and civilian targets.

Journalists found evidence of the use of Hunter pick-ups by Russian troops in video recordings showing drones being launched from these vehicles.

Specifically, in July 2026, a Changan Hunter vehicle could be seen in a video published by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov. In the footage, Russian servicemen in masks and camouflage prepare drones for launch. Among them are "Geranys". Russian troops assemble the aircraft, equip them with explosive devices, and then launch them from a Hunter pick-up moving at speed.

Earlier, in January 2025, vehicles of this model appeared in an information campaign by the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov. At that time, he announced the dispatch of five armoured Changan pick-ups to participate in the so-called "special military operation".

Expanding presence in the Russian market

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, Changan Automobile did not cease operations in the Russian market. On the contrary, the company expanded its presence there. According to data from the analytical group inovev, the Chinese manufacturer increased car supplies to Russia, taking advantage of the market space freed up after the exit of European and American carmakers.

Reactions from the parties

Journalists sent a query to representatives of Changan Automobile requesting a comment on the use of their vehicles by the Russian army. However, no response was received from the company.

Journalists also approached the Portuguese Football Federation for an explanation. They assured that before signing the sponsorship agreement with the Chinese carmaker, the deal underwent a "strict" check for compliance with established requirements.

Recall that StopCor previously reported on a The Wall Street Journal investigation into the role of Chinese companies in the production of Russian strike drones. Chinese engines and electronic components helped Russia establish the production of faster jet versions of "Shaheds", capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h.