Barca auctions NFT of iconic Cruyff goal for $693,000

BARCELONA: Barcelona has auctioned off a digital art piece depicting an iconic goal by Johan Cruyff for $693,000 as it seeks new revenues to batle its way out of massive debt, the Spanish club said.

Barcelona said that the auction run by Sotheby’s in New York for the club’s first NFT, or non-fungible token, closed at $550,000 on Friday. The auctioneer’s fees increased the final sale price to $693,000.

The art piece depicts Cruyff’s memorable goal from 1973 when the Netherlands great soared through the air with his leg outstretched to score. In the image, Cruyff appears to be dipped in gold. The NFT is called “In a Way, Immortal,” inspired by a quote by Cruyff, who let his mark as both a player and coach at Barcelona.

Barcelona has been searching for new forms of revenue as it struggles to pay down 1 billion euros ($1 billion) of debt. That has included selling Camp Nou’s naming rights to the Spotify audiostreaming service and recently selling off 25% of its Spanish league television rights for 25 years.

An NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital image that cannot be copied. There is a booming market for collectors and artists interested in this form of digital art.

Meanwhile, France defender Jules Koundé has agreed to sign a five-year contract with Barcelona ater his transfer from Sevilla was finalized, the Catalan club said Friday. Koundé will sign the new contract on Monday, Barcelona said, and it will include a buyout clause of 1 billion euros ($1 billion).

The agreement between Barcelona and Sevilla, which was announced on Thursday, was finalized ater the center back passed a medical exam.

Neither club released the transfer fee, but it is widely reported in Spanish media that it reached 50 million euros ($50 million).

The 23-year-old Koundé is Barcelona’s third major signing this month following its sale of 25% of its Spanish league television rights for the next 25 years. It had also secured striker Robert Lewandowski and winger Raphinha for around a combined 110 million euros. Barcelona is currently on a preseason tour in the United States. It opens the season at home against Rayo Vallecano on Aug. 13.