Chiliz and Grintafy Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Football Talent Development in the Middle East
Chiliz, the global leader in the SportFi ecosystem known for the Chiliz Chain and Socios.com platform, and Saudi Arabia’s Grintafy, the largest talent discovery and development platform in the Middle East, are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership and investment agreement. Under this agreement, Chiliz becomes a strategic investor and partner in Grintafy, enhancing football projects in Riyadh in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s digital transformation goals. This investment marks Chiliz’s inaugural venture into Saudi football, which has witnessed significant evolution recently.
The partnership aims to mutually benefit from Chiliz’s extensive network of over 60 partners, including renowned football clubs, by leveraging Grintafy’s expertise and vast network to penetrate the Saudi market. Proudly, Grintafy stands as the Middle East’s premier talent discovery platform with nearly 2 million users, attracting various investors including Wa’ed Ventures owned by Saudi Aramco. Grintafy has previously formed partnerships with notable football organizations in the Middle East and top global leagues like the English Premier League and La Liga, alongside elite academies worldwide.
Following its recognition as the Technology Company of the Year in Sports at Gitex, Grintafy will further its technical capabilities through Chiliz’s ecosystem, utilizing web3 technology and blockchain for various applications within its platform, such as player evaluations, rankings, and performance certifications.
This partnership signifies a pivotal step in Grintafy’s mission to advance and develop Saudi football, supporting the platform’s global outreach. Daniel Maglietta, Chiliz’s Commercial Director of Football, will play a crucial role as a key advisor, aiming to open new opportunities for young Saudi athletes and enhance the region’s game development through a charitable approach to talent nurturing.
Alex Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz and Socios.com, commented on the investment, highlighting it as a strategic move and a valuable addition to both Grintafy and the Chiliz ecosystem, supporting the expanded vision for football in Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to support local talents and encourage global football powers to invest in Saudi Arabia, serving as a digital bridge for Vision 2030 between Europe, South America, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Magdy Elolou, Founder and CEO of Grintafy, expressed excitement for the strategic investment that initiates a new phase, enabling the continuation of their dream with new tools and technologies. The partnership with Chiliz, a leader in web3 sports and a shared vision for transforming the game and sports tech sector, marks a significant milestone for supporting football growth in the Middle East.
