- Spanish soccer side DUX Internacional de Madrid has signed a player using cryptocurrency
- The signing of David Barral marks the second time a soccer transfer has been conducted in cryptocurrency
- Turkish side Harunustaspo signed a player for ₿0.07 in February 2018
Cryptocurrency has been used in the transfer of a Spanish soccer player, representing the second time digital currencies have been used for the purpose. Spanish sports newspaper Marca reports that Segunda Division B side DUX Internacional de Madrid have signed former Real Madrid youth player David Barral, now 37, with the deal facilitated by Spanish cryptocurrency trading company Criptan.
Barral Signing Marks First For Spain
The signing of Barral was brokered for an undisclosed sum and through an undisclosed cryptocurrency, with Criptan facilitating the transfer. DUX Internacional is more than just your run of the mill lower league soccer team however – it was bought in June last year by Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias through their joint eSports venture DuxGame, one of the biggest eSports teams around.
This ownership model is a break from the traditional format where clubs are owned by corporate entities or wealthy moguls and represents a unique, forward-thinking approach, as does the fact they conducted the transfer in cryptocurrency is a sign of their forward-thinking attitude.
Cryptocurrency and Soccer Ties Growing Closer
Soccer teams and the world of cryptocurrency have been growing much closer of late, with major teams such as Paris St Germain and Juventus seeing their tokens listed on Binance, while other big clubs are jumping on the bandwagon and issuing collectible NFTs.
Barral’s signing makes him the second soccer transfer conducted using cryptocurrency, following the transfer of Omar Faruk to Harunustaspo for bitcoin in 2018. The fee, ₿0.07, which was worth $735 at the time, is now worth $2,595, a very tidy increase…if they didn’t sell.
