Barcelona recently announced a groundbreaking sponsorship agreement with a blockchain company named Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP). This collaboration, set to last until 2028, has taken the football community by surprise, not only due to the timeline of this partnership but also because of the relatively obscure status of ZKP in the competitive landscape of sponsorships.
The deal stipulates that ZKP will serve as Barcelona’s global blockchain partner for the next two years. According to the official club statement, ZKP is founded on the principles of “decentralized AI,” and their digital advertising assets will be utilized across various club communication channels. Marketing and technology coming together in this partnership opens new avenues for fan engagement and innovation at the club.
Surprise over New Company
What raises eyebrows further is that ZKP was established just last year and became a public entity only in 2025, according to their own website. This rapid ascension from startup to global partner in a prestigious football club is remarkable, especially considering that many of Barcelona’s sponsors are established brands with well-documented histories and financial capabilities. The company’s social media presence reflects its nascent status; as of now, ZKP’s Twitter/X account boasts a modest following of only 141 users.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the partnership, ZKP is set to launch its blockchain technology on November 27—which is only weeks away—and currently counts Barcelona and the National Rugby League’s team, The Dolphins, among its official partnerships. Additionally, the term ‘Zero Knowledge Proof’ itself stems from a theoretical framework in cryptography that essentially aims to convince someone of a statement based on other information without revealing the statement’s legitimacy. This concept marries perfectly with the ethos of blockchain technology but remains largely untested in a commercial context.
Barcelona have taken note of Schlotterbeck and Upamecano for the 2026 summer transfer window. The former has a contract until 2027, while the latter will become a free agent. @gbsans pic.twitter.com/IxxE59BKxl
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 15, 2025
ZKP Associates with Andrew Tate
Even more striking is ZKP’s decision to feature Andrew Tate prominently in its branding. Their pinned tweet shares Tate’s views on AI and blockchain, suggesting that he represents a voice of authority on the future of this technology. The tweet’s message is clear: “Top G Agrees: Zero Knowledge Is the Future!
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Top G Agrees: Zero Knowledge Is the Future!
— Zero Knowledge Proof (@ZKPofficial) November 14, 2025
Currently, Tate is facing serious legal issues in Romania, with charges ranging from human trafficking to sexual assault. In the UK, he faces additional accusations that heighten the controversy surrounding his public persona. Given that Barcelona actively promotes values of equality and feminism, the partnership’s association with ZKP—a company endorsing a figure like Tate—raises significant ethical concerns. The timing and choice of partners challenge the club’s proclaimed values and could provoke backlash from fans and advocacy groups alike. It serves as an interesting case study on how sports organizations navigate partnerships in the ever-evolving digital landscape.