Gareth Bale has followed Lionel Messi’s lead in announcing a collection of limited NFTs (non-fungible tokens) which will launch on September 28 via Crypto.com.
The Real Madrid star and Wales international has two different NFTs lined up with one a collection of poster-like images from throughout the 32-year-old’s storied career with the second a futuristic 3D reimagination of Bale’s iconic goal from the 2018 UEFA Champions League final.
Bale, who spent last season on loan with Tottenham Hotspur who he joined Real from back in 2013, remains Wales captain and is currently finding his feet as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell as coach at Santiago Bernabeu.
British digital artists DINES has designed the NFTs with Bale, having already collaborated with the likes of Nike, EA Sports, Adidas, Levis and more through his creative studio Studio Blup while some of the NFT revenue will go to the Wales-based Velindre Cancer Centre.
“I am thrilled to partner with Crypto.com and London-based artist DINES, to release my line of NFTs,” said Bale. “Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege to play for incredible fanbases around Europe and the world. Now, I look forward to giving something back to my supporters in the form of digital assets that you cannot find anywhere else.
“I also look at the blockchain and NFT medium as new a way to raise awareness for the causes that are most important to me, and so a percentage of the proceeds from each sale will go to Velindre Cancer Centre, which has been providing specialist treatment and supportive care to cancer patients across my community in Wales for over 60 years.”
Bale remains Real’s join-most expensive transfer ever at $117 million from his 2013 Spurs move while Eden Hazard equaled that when he arrived in the Spanish capital from Chelsea in the summer of 2019.
“Gareth is a football icon,” said Crypto.com Executive Vice President and Global Head of NFT Joe Conyers III. “Whenever we get to introduce a globally celebrated athlete to the NFT space, and welcome their fans into our community, it is an historic moment that we really cherish.
“We are honored to work with Gareth and DINES on this collection celebrating his storied career, and to do so in support of such a worthy cause makes it that much more special.”
Bale and Real are out to dethrone bitter rivals Atletico Madrid after last season’s La Liga title success while Los Blancos are also chasing a 14th Champions League title.
