Ex-Real Madrid Striker Becomes First-ever Footballer Bought with Bitcoin

Former Real Madrid B striker, David Barral has become the first-ever player to be bought using cryptocurrency.

The 37-year-old striker officially signed for Spanish third division side, DUX Internacional de Madrid in a deal that was entirely funded with Bitcoin.

The club did not disclose the total value of the deal but revealed that the milestone was made possible by their new sponsor, Criptan, a local cryptocurrency exchange.

"David Barral new player of DUX Internacional de Madrid, welcome to the infinite club! He becomes the first signing in history in cryptocurrencies. Thanks to Criptan, our new sponsor, for making it possible."

Internacional shared on its social media pages.

Although Internacional is the first-ever football club to fund a transfer entirely through the use of Bitcoin, it is not the first time cryptocurrency has been used in professional sports.

In December 2020, Carolina Panthers offensive tackle, Russell Okung signed a deal to have exactly half of his NFL salary paid in Bitcoin. He was the first high-profile athlete in the United States to be paid with the cryptocurrency.

According to Okung, getting paid in Bitcoin is the first step of opting out of the corrupt, manipulated economy. He has also encouraged other professional sports stars to do the same.

Similarly, Internacional new signing, David Barral has expressed excitement over the transfer and without reservation for the fact that Bitcoin was used.

"I am happy to join this project, with desire, ambition and responsibility to continue competing and achieve important challenges in my sports career."

Before joining Internacional, Barral made more than 50 appearances for Real Madrid's reserve side. He later enjoyed spells with the likes of Sporting Gijon, Levante and most recently, Racing Santander.

According to tech experts, the purchase of Barral by Internacional marks the unique beginning of the use of Bitcoin in football. There are claims that given the recent rise and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency, it wouldn't be surprising if more football teams follow in their steps.

Coronavirus: The Positive Side On Public Health Systems

Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, broke out in  Wuhan City, China late December 2019. At the time, many people did not pay much attention towards the infectious disease until early this year when the spread of the disease became practically uncontrollable, spreading rapidly from its originating country to other countries and territories of the world while claiming lives. The world's attention has now been drawn towards this infectious disease.

The highly contagious disease comes with the possibility of causing severe respiratory infections such as a running nose, high fever, tiredness, dry cough and in some cases sore throat and  diarrhea, causing infected patient to have difficulty in breathing. Having achieved  a pandemic state, the World Health Organization  (WHO) and Centres for Disease Control (CDCs) across the world, have issued guidelines for managing the problem from biomedical and psychological points of view, with the provision of funds ,medical supports and encouragement to the workers in the Health sector.

 

One positive result of the Coronavirus pandemic is in the fact that World government leaders have diverted  attention and focus towards the Health sector by providing necessary medical supplies to various Countries and Territories which have been affected by the virus.

Also, world business giants such as Elon Musk (founder SpaceX), Jack Ma (Co-founder Alibaba group) and other notable figures  have contributed their part  in order to treat and prevent the wide spread of this disease. The notable provision of medical supplies such as Ventilators, personal protective equipment, Rapid test kits among others makes a mark for the health sector here.

Upon the outbreak of novel Corona virus in Nigeria in February, the Nigeria public health sector has been highly recognized. Recently, the World bank released $82 million to support the Nigeria public health sector and the federal government of Nigeria as well gas provided #102 Billion for intervention in the health care sector, the Nigeria Center for Diseases Control (NCDC) through ECOWAS as well, has well provided 120 ventilators, 240,000 diagnostic kits and other member states.

Also, Special Isolation centers and Quick test laboratories have been set up in some states and has been accredited for use prior to the outbreak of the pandemic disease. The European Union (EU) and other world bodies are as well working hand in hand with scientists and Medical professionals to produce vaccines and medications for the Virus (COVID-19).