Game Changers Dope #21
LEGACY BUILDERS
Gerard Piqué: More Than Just a Football Star.
Gerard Piqué, a name that resonates throughout the football world, is not just your average athlete. His extraordinary talent on the field, remarkable business ventures, and dedication to making the world a better place have truly made him a global icon.
After hanging up his boots in 2022, Gerard has an impressive trophy collection: four Champions League titles, eight Spanish League crowns, seven Copa Del Rey trophies, and three each of the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Oh, and he's also got a FIFA World Cup and a UEFA Euro under his belt with the Spanish National Team.
He's no stranger to the world of endorsements, bagging a cool $3 million by teaming up with brands like Nike and the Laureus Foundation.
But Piqué's not all about football. With an MBA from Harvard, he's ventured into the world of business. He's co-founded eFootball.Pro, an esports company, and even partnered with Konami Digital Entertainment to create an international league related to Pro Evolution Soccer. He's also the brain behind Kosmos Holdings, which struck a massive $3 billion deal with the International Tennis Federations. Not to forget, he bought FC Andorra, a Spanish second division football club, and started his own esports team called KOI in collaboration with the popular streamer, Ibai Ramos. His most recent endeavor is the Kings League, a seven-a-side football league, featuring other prominent football figures and internet streamers.
And if that wasn't enough, he's got a finger in many business pies. He owns Kerad Holding, a real estate conglomerate, 426 MILES, an energy drink company, Kypers, specializing in sunglasses, and Natrus, dishing out organic hamburgers.
Now, let's talk investments. Gerard has poured $3.6 million into Sorare, a blockchain-based fantasy game where users can buy, sell, and trade digital football cards. He's also dipped his toes into the world of esports with an investment in the game GOALS.
But Gerard's not all about business. He's got a heart of gold. He's a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and Beko Global has chosen him as the global brand ambassador for a campaign fighting childhood obesity, donating 1€ to UNICEF for every post with #EatLikeAPro.
In a world where success is often measured by your accomplishments, Gerard Piqué stands out as an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs. His journey is proof that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, you can achieve greatness. Whether it's his on-field victories, business savvy, or his dedication to making the world a better place, Gerard is a role model for anyone seeking to make a positive impact.
MONEY MOVES
- Club and apparel startup Swag Golf has raised a $10 million round, led by Verance Capital, that includes Olympic gold medalist Shaun White and NBA All-Star Zach LaVine. Full story here.
- The Tory Burch Foundation opened applications for the 2nd edition of their fellowship for female entrepreneurs in Sports. Full story here.
- Max Verstappen has a pretty different long-term plan set for himself. The Red Bull Champion is all set to start his own racing team in the GT3 category. Full story here.
ATHLETE CREATORS
In the ETCs show - Boardroom - Eddie Gonzalez and Chet Holmgren discussed the intersection of sports and culture at the Nike World Basketball Festival, highlighting the influential connection between basketball and beyond.
WTF BRANDS
Former NFL Star Is Making Moves In The World Of Craft Tequila. Jim Bob Morris recently partnered up with his good friend - and hall of fame NHL defenseman - Chris Chelios to launch El Bandido Yankee.
IMPACT STANDOUTS
Norwich City’s Heartbreaking Mental Health Film Moves the Football Community.
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