Professional footballer Gerard Pique invested in the Sorare fantasy football platform, which led him to be appointed strategic advisor to the company.
The investment of the player from Barcelona, in addition to the American Cassius Family fund, gives the company a total of EUR 7 million (USD 8.6 million).
The fantasy football platform allows its members to buy and exchange digital cards for professional footballers. The company said 80 clubs have joined the platform this year, including Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto and Zenit.
According to a statement announcing the investment, Sorare's sales increased by more than 1000% during 2020. Globally, the company estimates the fantasy football and sports cards markets are worth $ 5.4 billion and $ 18.6 billion, respectively.
Pique will join current Sorare board members including Christain Miele and co-founders Nicolas Julia and Adrien Montfort.
"I see great potential in the sports gaming segment in the digital economy where audience attention is the most important unit of currency," said Pique.
"I'm looking forward to helping Sorare extend its partnership with soccer leagues, clubs and players around the world to create the best fantasy experience there is."
Sorare CEO Nicolas Julia also expressed his excitement about Pique's nomination to the team as an "active entrepreneur" who "redefines the sports and entertainment industry".
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