Kylian Mbappé this week surpassed Pelé and Lionel Messi with 14 World Cup goals, a record that has quickly become a magnet for crypto ventures. Some are offering official fan tokens or NFTs tied to the achievement. Others are outright scams, authorities warn.
Crypto projects latch on
Within hours of the final whistle, several crypto projects announced tokens or digital collectibles referencing Mbappé's milestone. A handful claim to have licensing agreements with the player or his federation. The rush mirrors past crypto tie-ins with major sports events — but the stakes are higher this time, given the sheer scale of Mbappé's global fanbase.
Fraudsters follow the hype
Scammers have not been far behind. Fake airdrops, phishing sites impersonating official Mbappé merchandise stores, and social media accounts promoting bogus token presales have cropped up across platforms. At least two fraudulent projects have already been flagged by blockchain security firms. The timing isn't great: crypto scams tied to celebrity endorsements have risen sharply this year, and Mbappé's name carries enough weight to trick even cautious users.
What investors should know
Regulators have long warned that celebrity-linked crypto schemes can be red flags. Before buying any token or NFT claiming an Mbappé connection, check the project's official website and verify any licensing claims directly with the athlete's management. Unsolicited messages promising free tokens or guaranteed returns are almost certainly fake. Mbappé himself has not publicly endorsed any crypto product, and his representatives have urged fans to stay vigilant.
As the World Cup buzz fades, the crypto gold rush around Mbappé's record will likely settle. But the fraudsters will move on to the next big name. For now, the best play is to sit out the hype and stick to verified channels.
