Former Spanish football star Gerard Piqué affirmed that the “Kings League” initiative introduces a fresh model for presenting football in a more interactive and engaging format for younger audiences by merging video game-inspired elements with traditional football rules.
He explained that the concept took shape following his retirement in November 2022, when he noticed that children today find it difficult to stay fully focused during a 90-minute match.
Speaking at the “Bridge Summit 2025” in Abu Dhabi to unveil the new interactive platform, Piqué said the Kings League operates under innovative rules that deliver a unique fan experience — such as sudden shifts in player numbers decided by a dice roll, giving team owners the right to take penalty kicks, and involving content creators as club owners. These features, he noted, have helped the league attract a large fan base and expand to 17 countries since its launch.
Piqué added that his career with FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team played a key role in shaping the concept, giving him valuable insight into what players and fans need. He stated that retiring from professional football provided him with the time and freedom to bring these ideas to life in a project that keeps pace with the evolution of sports and entertainment.
He emphasized that keeping track of rapid shifts in audience content consumption is central to the league’s strategy, pointing out that younger generations still follow sports “but in a different way.” He noted that the league’s expansion, along with new offices in Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia, requires strong communication and a deep understanding of local cultures, making local partnerships essential for accelerating growth.
Piqué also highlighted that the Kings League puts fans at the center of its development, giving them the power to vote on rules, match formats, and even the color of the pitch. He shared that millions of fans voted within 24 hours to choose black as the official pitch color, demonstrating the deep bond between the league and its audience.
He revealed plans to expand into the United States soon, driven by the rising popularity of football after Lionel Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer and the country’s preparation to host the FIFA World Cup. He said the league’s “entertainment-first sports model” aligns strongly with the preferences of American fans. Interest has also emerged from other countries, including Nepal, Portugal, Turkey, Japan and South Korea.
Regarding Spain’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Piqué expressed pride in having been part of the 2010 World Cup–winning squad, adding that Spain’s current team features a promising new generation led by Lamine Yamal and several rising stars. He believes Spain will be among the top contenders alongside Argentina, Germany, France and Brazil.
(Inputs from WAM)
