Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is once again making headlines, but this time it’s not for his on-field exploits. The Portuguese icon has announced the launch of his fourth non-fungible token (NFT) collection in partnership with Binance, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange.
The new collection, set to launch on May 29 on the Binance NFT Marketplace, will celebrate Ronaldo’s illustrious career, featuring highlights from his journey in football. This move marks another significant step in the convergence of sports and blockchain technology, with NFTs serving as a unique bridge between the physical and digital worlds.
Ronaldo’s journey in football has seen him play for some of the most prestigious clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Manchester City. His career has been marked by numerous accolades and record-breaking performances, making him one of the most celebrated athletes of our time. This new NFT collection aims to encapsulate these moments, offering fans a unique way to own a piece of Ronaldo’s legacy.
The number of NFTs contained in the new collection won’t be announced until the series launches. However, Binance has stated that the price will be the same for every “Normal NFT” while pricing for the “the final Super Rare NFT” in the collection will differ. This approach ensures a level of accessibility for fans while also offering exclusive opportunities for the most dedicated collectors.
Previous NFT events featuring Ronaldo have come with perks outside of the digital realm. For instance, holders were invited to play football with the legend himself as part of a Binance promotion. This blend of real-world experiences with digital ownership exemplifies the potential of NFTs in creating new forms of fan engagement.
However, it’s important to note that Ronaldo’s previous participation in NFT collection sales with Binance has not been without controversy. In November 2023, Ronaldo was sued in a class action lawsuit in a United States district court in Florida. The plaintiffs claimed Ronaldo “promoted, assisted in, and/or actively participated in the offer and sale of unregistered securities in coordination with Binance,” and that he should have known that Binance was involved in such activities.
The suit stemmed from Binance’s previous legal issues, which culminated in founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao being found guilty in the U.S. of enabling fraud. He was sentenced in April 2024 to serve four months in detention for his part in an alleged money laundering scheme.
Despite these challenges, the launch of Ronaldo’s fourth NFT collection represents a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the sports and blockchain industries. As we anticipate this launch, it’s clear that the potential of NFTs extends far beyond simple digital collectibles. They offer a new way for fans to connect with their favorite athletes, own a piece of their legacy, and even participate in exclusive real-world experiences.
As the world of sports continues to embrace blockchain technology, it will be fascinating to see how this space evolves. One thing is for sure: with pioneers like Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, the future of sports and NFTs looks incredibly bright.
