As GITEX Africa 2025 is well underway in Marrakech, World Cup winners are taking a break from the world of football to instead discuss tech investment opportunities across Africa.
French football legends Robert Pirès, Bafétimbi Gomis, and Raphaël Varane joined GITEX Africa 2025 on its second day, not as players – but as investors.
“I’ve been investing for years, mainly in SportsTech since it’s what I know best,” Varane said. “I haven’t invested in Africa yet, but the potential here is huge. I needed to see it with my own eyes,” the former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender continued.
The two World Cup winners visited stands and spoke on a panel at the 10X stage, showing real interest in the tech boom across Africa.
Varane, already active in SportsTech in Europe, said he now wants to put money into Africa.
“I’ve been investing for years, mainly in SportsTech since it’s what I know best,” said the former Real Madrid and Manchester United defender. “I haven’t invested in Africa yet, but the potential here is huge. I needed to see it with my own eyes.”
Pirès, who played for Arsenal, said he came to learn, meet people in tech, and maybe invest.
“What matters to me is seeing what people—men and women—can create and build. It’s a real honor to be here. Some of these people truly inspire me.”
GITEX Africa is the continent’s biggest tech fair. It brings together startups, investors, and tech leaders to talk AI, cloud, IoT, and cybersecurity all in one vibrant, buzzing space.
The footballers presence shows the large encompassing expanse that the tech world has — even on the pitch.
