5 Football Players Who Are Into Cryptocurrency

The world of cryptocurrency has seen growing interest from all walks of life, and the world of football is no exception. While some remain cautious, several prominent footballers are actively exploring the potential of crypto, venturing into investments, business opportunities, and innovative ways to connect with fans.

The benefit goes both ways. On the one hand, players can tap into a lucrative industry. On the other hand, attracting famous sports players makes crypto more accessible and appealing to mainstream audiences, thereby driving adoption and increasing visibility for the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem.

For instance, when an ordinary investor engages in CEX.IO Spot Trading and discovers that their favorite athlete is also endorsing Bitcoin, they are more inclined to invest further in the cryptocurrency. This not only instills additional confidence but also fosters a sense of connection and shared enthusiasm, amplifying the appeal of crypto trading to a broader audience.

Let's examine the stories of five such players who are making their mark in the crypto sphere.

Big Money Moves: Top Crypto Sponsorships in Football

Before we start, we'll briefly delve into the intersection between crypto and football, highlighting the significant partnerships and collaborations that have emerged in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The growing interest in cryptocurrency extends beyond individual players. Football clubs themselves are also embracing crypto, securing lucrative sponsorship deals.

The most prominent example is Paris Saint-Germain's multi-year partnership with Crypto.com, worth a reported $30 million annually. This deal includes branding rights, fan token launches, and joint marketing initiatives, solidifying Crypto.com's presence in the footballing world. Also, the French powerhouse recently became the first to validate a blockchain.

Other notable partnerships include Serie A's league-wide deal with Crypto.com and Inter Milan's collaboration with Socios. These high-profile sponsorships highlight the significant financial potential of crypto for football clubs, indicating a deeper integration of this technology within the sport.

Footballing Superstars and Crypto: A Dive into Ventures, Sponsorships, and the Evolving Landscape

Finally, here are the superstars that said "Yes" to crypto.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

In 2022, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar signed a multi-year deal involving promoting NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and potentially receiving a portion of his compensation in cryptocurrency.

This promising collaboration was designed to leverage Ronaldo's immense influence to promote Binance's services and legitimize cryptocurrency as a mainstream investment option. However, it ended abruptly and resulted in a $1 billion lawsuit following the decrease in the overall interest for NFTs.

2. Lionel Messi

In 2022, the Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi signed a partnership deal with Socios, a blockchain-based fan engagement platform.

Lionel Messi committed to promoting the platform's Fan Tokens, which allow fan engagement through voting rights, exclusive content, and the opportunity to influence certain club decisions.

This deal leverages Messi's influence to promote Socios.com and its Fan Token ecosystem, which has seen success with several major clubs, like FC Barcelona and Manchester City.

As a result of this partnership, fans got a novel way to engage with their teams and potentially benefit from the success of the tokens while offering clubs a new revenue stream and a deeper connection with their supporters.

3. Kylian Mbappé

Allegedly future Real Madrid player decided to invest in Sorare, a player-owned fantasy sports game that leverages NFTs. Mbappé partnered with Sorare to promote the platform and potentially receive compensation in cryptocurrency.

However, the broader NFT market remains volatile, raising questions about its long-term stability. While the initial hype surrounding NFTs attracted significant interest, the market has experienced significant fluctuations, raising concerns about the sustainability of such ventures.

4. Neymar

In 2022, the Brazilian footballer, currently playing in Saudi Arabia, acquired two artworks from the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) collection via the OpenSea platform, the leading marketplace for such tokens.

The purchases made in Ethereum cryptocurrency totaled 159.99 ETH for one illustration and 189.69 ETH for the other, equivalent to approximately $521,000 and $624,000, respectively.

Notably, he disclosed on Instagram that he co-invested with former PSG teammates Leandro Paredes and Marco Verratti, although they have not shared the acquisition on social media like Neymar.

The Bored Ape Yacht Club collection has garnered attention from notable figures worldwide, including rapper Eminem, NBA star Stephen Curry, and TV host Jimmy Fallon. Additionally, Neymar previously entered into an agreement with NFTSTAR last November to collaborate on developing, selling, and marketing collectible NFTs.

5. Kieran Gibbs

The former Arsenal defender playing for Inter Miami has made headlines by receiving part of his salary in Bitcoin. This bold move speaks to his belief in the future of cryptocurrency and potentially paves the way for other players to consider similar options.

While it highlights the growing interest in crypto among footballers, it also serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility associated with this asset class.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of footballers engaging with the crypto space. Their involvement underscores the growing interest in and potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, not just in the financial world but also in professional sports and fan engagement.

As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other footballers approach this space. Will more players opt for crypto salaries? Will innovative fan engagement tools emerge using blockchain technology?

Only time will tell the extent to which cryptocurrency will permeate the world of football, but one thing is certain – the beautiful game is embracing a new frontier. Fans can expect exciting developments in the years to come.