Crypto and NFTs aren’t just tech buzzwords anymore. Even some of Europe’s biggest footballers are jumping in, each in their own way—some quietly, others in full spotlight. To these athletes, it’s not all about raking in the dough; it’s about exploring, interacting with the users, and sometimes just to see what all the fuss is about. Let’s examine these footballers and how they’re improving the Defi universe.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo is doing his usual thing: going big. His Forever CR7 NFT collection lets fans own little pieces of his career. It definitely feels as if he is enjoying this crypto and NFT adoption. Even in the digital world, he’s finding ways to connect with fans halfway across the planet.
Gerard Piqué (Spain)
Piqué is more the behind-the-scenes type. He invested in Sorare, a fantasy football platform on blockchain, and he’s not making a huge song and dance about it. It’s smart, quiet, and kind of the opposite of Ronaldo’s style—but just as effective.
Ryan Babel (Netherlands)
Former Ajax, Liverpool, and Fulham forward Ryan Babel has transitioned into the cryptocurrency space. He offers crypto investment advice on his Instagram account, where he discusses the volatility and challenges of crypto markets. Babel emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks involved, showcasing his personal experiences and insights into the crypto world.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé is mixing football with digital assets in interesting ways. He’s involved with Sorare too, showing that young stars are thinking about fan engagement and innovation. You get the sense he’s curious, maybe testing the waters for what’s possible beyond the pitch.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden)
This Swedish football player has to do things his own way. He’s invested in esports and Web3 startups, and you can picture him grinning while doing it—because why not? Bold moves are kind of his thing, on and off the field.
Rio Ferdinand (England)
The former footballer went a bit more strategic, backing fintech and blockchain projects. He is more the quiet and calculated type, but it is super effective. He’s proving that not all footballers need to be loud to make smart investments.
Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
Iniesta has dabbled in crypto promotion, supporting platforms like Binance. He’s not all about the money; it’s also about staying in the conversation and seeing how this stuff works.
Mesut Özil (Germany/Turkey)
Özil went the fan-experience route, launching his own NFT collection. Fans get exclusive content, and he gets a direct connection. It’s clever—he’s experimenting with how digital assets can be used for more than just investment.
Antoine Griezmann (France)
Griezmann’s approach is curious and low-key. He’s investing in digital assets, testing the waters, but not trying to steal the spotlight. It’s interesting to watch—one minute he’s scoring goals, the next he’s quietly exploring the future of football off the pitch.
From football fields to digital assets, Europe’s footballers are proving crypto isn’t a get-rich-quick scam. Some are loud and flashy, some are quiet and strategic, but all are experimenting. As crypto develops around the world, more athletes will find their own ways to adopt it, so stay tuned for more.
