Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that uses encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds. One reason why it’s popular is because it operates independently of central banks and governments, giving users greater control over their money.
Although there is still a bit of skeptism regarding Cryptocurrency, some popular footballers have begun to embrace it. The use of blockchain technology in crypto allows for direct cryptocurrency transactions without involving banks, reducing delays and increasing speed and efficiency. Transactions are secure and unalterable once verified on the blockchain. This allows for secure online gambling, such as playing Bitcoin slots or table-based games, after depositing cryptocurrency.
So, there are also a bunch of other reasons why people are getting into cryptocurrency these days. Some folks are just jumping on the hype train, while others have heard some good things and want to check it out. And of course, there are those who see the potential for big profits.
It’s not just investors, though – lots of regular folks are starting to think about using crypto in their daily lives. And hey, even some famous football players have joined the crypto wagon. Here are some of the top soccer stars who are into cryptocurrency.
1. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest soccer players ever, and likely a great crypto investor as well.
His deal that saw him move from Barcelona to Paris St. Germain included a cryptocurrency payment.
In 2022, Lionel Messi signed a deal with digital fan token company Socios.com, worth over $20 million, to promote their brand.
This follows similar moves by other sports stars, including Tom Brady and LeBron James, to enter the world of cryptocurrency.
As part of the deal, Messi participated in a promotional campaign for Socios leading up to the Qatar World Cup. He also worked with BitGet that year.
The deal is part of a growing trend of partnerships between crypto companies and soccer.
Now at Inter Miami in the United States, Lionel Messi is being courted by many of the top cryptocurrency companies for sponsorship deals.
2. David Barral
David Barral is a former Real Madrid B striker who became the first football player to be paid in Bitcoin.
He signed up to play for Segunda B side DUX Internacional de Madrid in January 2021, and his transfer fee was paid in Bitcoin. This was the first-ever crypto deal recorded in the history of Spanish football.
Barral player most of his career in Spain, and over the course of eight seasons, he played 221 games and scored 46 goals in La Liga for Sporting de Gijón, Levante, and Granada.
Additionally, he played 136 matches and scored 30 goals in the Segunda División. He also played professionally in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and Japan. He retired from football in 2022.
3. Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is one of the most famous football players in the world, known for his skills on the field and his off-field endorsements.
Recently, he has been in the news for his involvement with Cryptodragons, a non-fungible token (NFT) project that has caused controversy in the cryptocurrency world.
Pogba, who is a brand ambassador for Cryptodragons, has been promoting the project on his social media accounts, which has caused concern among some cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the highest-paid football players in the world, and has been involved in several cryptocurrency-related projects in recent years.
Ronaldo has been an advocate for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and has used his massive social media following to promote several cryptocurrency projects and initiatives.
In 2022, Ronaldo signed a partnership with Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, to promote non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Ronaldo launched his own NFT collection exclusively on Binance’s NFT platform, which featured designs created in collaboration with various artists.
The Portuguese legend is one of the richest football players on earth and is one of the few footballers who own a private jet.
5. Neymar Jr.
The eccentric Brazilian soccer star just secured a multi-million dollar deal to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The skillful star also invests in cryptocurrency to earn some more millions.
In 2022, Neymar made headlines when he spent over $1 million on two non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as part of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) project.
The BAYC project is a collection of 10,000 unique digital apes, each with their own set of attributes and characteristics. Neymar’s purchase of the NFTs was seen as a sign of the growing interest in NFTs among high-profile investors and celebrities.
Neymar has also been involved with several cryptocurrency startups, including a blockchain-based platform called Sorare, which allows users to buy and sell digital collectibles based on real-life football players.
