December 16 – New platforms of football continue to evolve with the latest iteration being ‘Baller League’ an innovative 6-a-side football league, which hopes to blend the ‘beautiful game’ with the energy of street culture.
Baller League co-founder, former, German winger, Lukas Podolski, has been doing the financial rounds securing $33 million in funding. Backed by EQT Ventures, the league features 12 teams, each captained by a figure from the sports, music, or entertainment industries.
EQT Ventures, is a venture capital fund known for its expertise in scaling high-growth projects such as Spotify, King, and Booking,com. They also offer strategic support in marketing, technology, and operations, which will ensure the league has the resources to continue its expansion.
Joining in the project is former Borussia Dortmund star, Mats Hummels, which excites his former international teammate, Poldolski who said, “we met several times in Poland to discuss the idea of a league we wanted to organize in Cologne. I liked the idea because I grew up playing street soccer on small 4×4, 5×5 pitches. The league quickly became popular, everyone in Germany is talking about it.”
“The Baller League is more than just fun and show; it’s a return to the roots of street soccer, and I think there’s a place for it in Germany. We want to give a chance to various players, not just those from big leagues, but also those without clubs or who have retired. The matches are really exciting, and although everything was new at the start, the level of play is now high.”
In addition to the two founders, the Baller League has attracted the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, the former, AC Milan, FC Barcelona, and Ghanaian international. Christoph Kramer, 2014 FIFA World Cup winner, and Alisha Lehmann, the Juventus player and one of the most popular female footballers globally.
With the Final Four in Düsseldorf approaching, fans can expect even more thrilling matches as teams compete for the championship.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734342767labto1734342767ofdlr1734342767owedi1734342767sni@o1734342767fni1734342767