Footballer James Rodriguez launches his own cryptocurrency
What's the story
Bayern Munich's mid-fielder James Rodriguez has launched his own cryptocurrency ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia. The Colombian play-maker's 'JR10 Token' will be available for pre-purchase via the SelfSell App from May 27 onwards. With this new development, we can say that the blockchain fever has gripped the world of football. James is on a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid.
Twitter Post
Crypto wave hits football
A brand “new me”, sponsored and brought by SelfSell, will be activated. Will you guess what it is? Jump to download SelfSell App and join me. @self_sell pic.twitter.com/OXugqJq3uH
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) May 22, 2018
JR10 Token
Rodriguez partners with SelfSell to launch cryptocurrency
James Rodriguez made this announcement on his social media pages. He has signed an agreement with blockchain based platform SelfSell to launch his own cryptocurrency. This move is likely to help the footballer to build stronger fan relationships. Rodriguez rose to fame during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. His exploits, in the tournament, won him the Golden Boot.
Uncharted territory
Not the first athlete to start own personal coin
Rodriguez isn't the first athlete to launch his own cryptocurrency. Boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have already thrown their hats in the ring. Further, former Manchester United star Michael Owen had also announced his own personal coins. However, Rodriguez is the first active international footballer to enter the blockchain world with his own tokens.
The future?
Will blockchain change the future of football?
JR10 will allow the 26-year-old to connect better with fans. The token can be exchanged for exclusive offers, privileges and souvenirs, which are all designed for better fan connect. While cryptocurrencies are still considered illegal in several country, many tech moguls have backed them. Every day, we are seeing interesting applications of blockchain in sports. For instance Cryptocup is a prediction-game based on Ethereum.