In a move that bridges sports and blockchain technology, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has entered into a two-year partnership with STEPN, the popular Web3 fitness and lifestyle app. This collaboration aims to commemorate the country’s celebrated national football team by issuing exclusive NFT digital sneakers, while also rewarding fans through interactive digital experiences.
AFA Embraces Web3 Through Partnership With STEPN
Marking its continued expansion into the world of digital assets, the AFA has chosen STEPN to help build its presence in the Web3 space. Through this collaboration, a limited series of Genesis NFT sneakers will be released, offering fans the chance to win real-world prizes such as signed jerseys and match-day tickets.
These NFT sneakers will not be sold in traditional formats—instead, they will be distributed via lottery, creating an engaging and gamified experience for supporters around the globe.
A promotional statement from STEPN emphasized the symbolic power of the collaboration:
“STEPN x @Argentina The world saw them lift the trophy. Now, we team up with the champions. We are proud to announce our long-term partnership with the Argentine Football Association, one of the most iconic teams in the history of football. The reigning world champions with the latest three-star logo, the legends of the game, the AFA, inspire the next generation of players! As part of this collaboration, we will launch the Genesis Sneakers in co-branding and unlock exclusive real-life rewards, including autographed jerseys and match tickets. This is just the beginning, stay tuned for more information! #STEPNxAFA – Move like a pro”
A Strategic Push Toward Digital Innovation
Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Commercial and Marketing Director, noted that the move is a strategic step forward for the Association’s ongoing digital transformation.
“AFA’s Web3 journey continues to gain momentum. With STEPN’s expertise, we can bring the energy and passion of Argentine football to a new generation of fans in the digital realm,” he said.
The partnership not only enhances AFA’s global outreach but also taps into the rapidly growing move-to-earn ecosystem powered by blockchain. STEPN, built on the Solana network, currently boasts over 5.7 million users worldwide.
Building on Momentum from Past NFT Campaigns
This isn’t STEPN’s first foray into high-profile digital collectibles. In September 2024, the company launched a Genesis NFT sneaker collection in collaboration with Adidas. That campaign featured 1,000 NFT sneakers, which were offered through a lottery at a price of 10,000 GMT tokens per entry. Unsuccessful participants received refunds, creating a user-friendly model for digital asset distribution.
The Adidas partnership was part of a broader year-long collaboration that began in April 2024, indicating STEPN’s commitment to forging long-term brand alliances in both fashion and sport.
A New Era of Fan Engagement
The AFA’s entry into Web3 marks a new phase in how sports organizations connect with their audiences. By merging the excitement of football fandom with blockchain-powered collectibles and gamified rewards, the Association is not only keeping pace with technological trends but also setting a precedent for how national teams can evolve their digital strategies.
STEPN’s co-branded NFTs are more than just digital assets—they represent a blend of sports heritage, community participation, and innovative engagement models.
Looking Ahead
As blockchain and NFTs continue to find their place in mainstream culture, initiatives like the AFA-STEPN partnership signal a promising future for fan engagement in sports. With exclusive items, immersive experiences, and growing user bases, these collaborations are redefining what it means to support your favorite team in the digital age.
This partnership may just be the beginning of a larger movement where national pride, athletic legacy, and decentralized technology come together to create new forms of interactive fandom.