Egypt’s Al Ahly FC Becomes First African Club to Join FIFA’s NFT Marketplace
Egyptian football giant Al Ahly Sporting Club has made history by becoming the first African football club to join FIFA Collect, the official digital collectibles platform of global football governing body FIFA. This move marks a significant milestone in the intersection of sports, blockchain technology, and fan engagement across the African continent.
Al Ahly Enters Web3 with FIFA Collect
In a recent announcement on the FIFA Collect website, FIFA revealed its partnership with Al Ahly SC, one of the most decorated and widely supported football clubs in the world. Through this collaboration, Al Ahly fans will be able to buy, own, and trade digital collectibles that celebrate the club’s rich legacy.
These NFTs will represent key moments, players, and elements of Al Ahly’s identity, offering fans a chance to engage with the club in a modern and personal way.
“Our collaboration with FIFA Collect marks a pivotal step in our digital transformation strategy,” said Amir Tawfik, CEO of Al Ahly.
“Through FIFA Collect, fans can own a piece of Al Ahly history and celebrate the club’s iconic journey — all in a way that feels immersive and global.”
What Is FIFA Collect?
FIFA Collect is FIFA’s official NFT marketplace, launched in 2023 in partnership with blockchain firm Modex. The platform was created to tokenize iconic football moments and memorabilia, enabling fans to collect and trade them on-chain.
Initially launched with support for the Polygon network and OpenSea, FIFA Collect now runs on the Algorand blockchain. However, FIFA has announced plans to transition to its own Ethereum-compatible blockchain before the end of the month, signaling its long-term Web3 ambitions.
Why This Matters for Africa
Al Ahly’s entry into the NFT space reflects a broader trend of African sports teams and institutions exploring blockchain technology to modernize operations and build stronger communities.
By being first to the table, Al Ahly is positioning itself as a digital pioneer on the continent, showcasing how Web3 can offer new revenue streams and fan experiences for African sports brands.
This move could open the door for other African clubs to follow suit — creating a ripple effect in the intersection of crypto, NFTs, and football on the continent.
