Three football players Christiano Ronaldo, Patrik Schick, and Karim Benzema are the first ones that will also receive their awards as blockchain-based collectibles (NFTs).
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The NFTs were created as a result of the partnership between the UEFA and China-based payments company Alipay started in 2018.Through AntChain, a blockchain platform created by Alipay’s subsidiary Ant Group, the physical trophy will get its digital version. As mentioned in the press release, Alipay will input the trophy data to the blockchain, this way introducing the historical moments.
Ant Group's Chief Executive Officer Eric Jing says that blockchain technology allows preserving top players' wonderful moments.
He added that the company will continue to cooperate with UEFA to present more innovative solutions.Sport NFTs offer fans a unique experience allowing them to get various digital items and much more. Among popular sports NFT marketplaces is NBA Top Shot.