Cryptocurrency is gradually making its way into the sporting world, as monetary deals – the purchase, sale and payment of athletes’ wages – are now being preferred in digital form other than the conventional fiat money.
In December, 2020 NFL star Russell Okung, who plays for Carolina Panthers as offensive tackle became the first high-profile athlete in the United States to be paid in bitcoin.
Barely 24-hours-ago, former Real Madrid B and Levante striker, David Barral, became the first-ever-player to be purchased in bitcoin.
The veteran striker officially signed for Segunda B side DUX Internacional de Madrid during the week in a deal funded through the use of virtual currency.
Barral, moved to the Spanish club which is co-owned by footballers, Borja Iglesias and Thibaut Cuortois and sponsored by Criptan – a local platform that deals on cryptocurrencies.
The club, which also has an official connection with DUX Gaming – an eSports club owned by the La Liga stars, became the first side in history to sign a player using e-currency.
The 37-year-old spent three years in Real Madrid B, counting over 50 appearances and scoring nine times.
He had spells at other Spanish outfits – Sporting Gijon, Granada, Cadiz and Racing Santander.
“David Barral new player of DUX Internacional de Madrid, welcome to the infinite club!” Inter de Madrid tweeted. “He becomes the first signing in history in cryptocurrencies. Thanks to Criptan, our new sponsor, for making it possible.”
Though, the total value of the deal is still undisclosed, the 37-year-old expressed delight at his latest move.
“Glad to join the project of @interdemadrid with eager ambition and responsibility to continue competing and achieve important challenges in my sports career.” he wrote on his official Twitter page.
All you need to know about Bitcoin…
Bitcoin became the world’s first entirely virtual currency when it was introduced in January 2009 as users cannot carry coins or notes and its value appears only as a number on a screen.
It was created by a shadowy online account which went by the name Satoshi Nakamoto and was the first example of a growing category of money known as cryptocurrency
