Rovio Entertainment, best known for Angry Birds, is entering the mobile football gaming market with a new free-to-play title currently in early development. The company has posted a high-profile vacancy for a General Manager to lead the project, which is based in Barcelona and carries full responsibility for the game’s strategy, financial performance, and long-term success.

The move comes as Rovio, acquired by Sega in 2023, continues to diversify beyond its core franchise amid reported financial pressure and restructuring in 2026. Despite this, the studio is still investing in Angry Birds while expanding into new genres focused on long-term live-service models.

According to the job description, the project is described as a “landmark free-to-play football title,” with responsibilities spanning development, monetization, user acquisition, and ongoing live operations. This suggests a major push into the competitive sports gaming space.

Rovio has previously experimented in the genre with Angry Birds Football in 2016, a short-lived UEFA Euro tie-in. The new project, however, is positioned as a standalone long-term live-service game.

The mobile football market is currently dominated by titles such as EA Sports FC Mobile, eFootball, and Dream League Soccer, making competition steep. However, the genre remains highly lucrative due to its global fan base and strong seasonal engagement, especially around major tournaments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While details remain limited, the game is expected to feature accessible football gameplay, live events, progression systems, and standard free-to-play monetization models. The project is still in early stages, with a release likely several years away.