Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Real Madrid’s practice grounds last weekend, sparking rumors of a potential partnership between the tech and football goliaths. The executive also attended the Madrid Derby on Sunday at the Metropolitan Stadium, where Álvaro Morata’s double helped Atletico see off Los Blancos 3-1.
What could Tim Cook be doing in Valdebebas
What happens when the most valuable company in the world meets the most valuable football club in the world? While we have not determined the exact details since both sides have declined to comment, we know Real Madrid employs a long-standing desire to ink with Apple.
That may explain why Tim Cook visited Real Madrid president Florentin Perez at the Valdebebas, Real Madrid’s headquarters. Not to mention, Apple just launched its new iPhone 15 and is riding the coattails of two football products: the Ted Lasso TV series and the MLS season pass.
Ted Lasso became the most nominated comedy in Emmy Award history upon its 2020 debut. Apple is also enjoying the booming success of its MLS streaming service, buoyed by Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami signature. The Argentine World Cup champion single-handedly boosted Apple’s MLS streaming service subscriptions 80 times.
Cook Tweeted images of his meet and greet at Real Madrid HQ and published matchday photos of the Derby the following day. One can see Perez showing off the trophies of the record 14 Champions League winners. Meanwhile, the gameday photo features Real Madrid players Ivana Andres Sanz and Enzo Alves, the 14-year-old academy-playing son of club’s legendary defender Marcelo.
Madrid fans celebrated the potential football-tech partnership between the two juggernauts. “Tim Cook releasing iphone 15 x Real madrid winning number 15,” said @nxtepe. Rivals quipped, “Barca n Google Better.”
From kit sponsorship to on-field technology to content opportunities — what kind of partnership will Apple and Real Madrid unveil?
Photo: Twitter/@LosMadridistas
