"Champions League Is a Birthright for Real Madrid" says Geremi Njitap in an Exclusive Interview with Rg.org

6 min read

Dortmund have done well to get this far but at Real Madrid, the Champions League is a birthright.

Former Real Madrid and Cameroon star Geremi Njitap shares his insights on the upcoming Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. In an exclusive interview with Responsible Gambling, Njitap emphasizes the deep-rooted obsession Madrid has with the Champions League and tips them to add to their 14 titles this weekend at Wembley.

Real Madrid's Champions League Obsession

Geremi Njitap spent three seasons at Real Madrid, playing alongside some of the best players in the world and winning two Champions League trophies. He highlights the club's relentless pursuit of European glory.

"The Champions League is why we all went to Real Madrid, it's like the obsession of everyone and if you wear that famous white shirt then you have to be able to produce on a night like the Champions League night."

The Cameroonian star points out that Real Madrid’s hunger for success remains undiminished, driven by both the manager and the players' individual determination.

"It's like a birthright. If you look at the best players in the world, they all came to Madrid for a night like the Champions League night, and these current crop have just taken everything to the next level."

"They have won it several times but they continue to have the same level of hunger in them and that is due to the manager but also their individual grit and determination."

 

Dortmund's Remarkable Journey

Jude Bellingham

Image Credit: Burak Akbulut/Anadolu/Getty Images

Borussia Dortmund has defied the odds to reach their first final in over a decade, showcasing a different business model compared to Real Madrid's investment in global superstars. Njitap admires Dortmund's approach and warns that they will not be an easy opponent.

"Dortmund have enjoyed a remarkable rise this season and not many gave them a chance to get to the final."

"They were in the same group with teams like PSG and Newcastle, and they met them again in the knockout stage and beat them to reach the final, so they got here on merit."

Njitap also praises Dortmund's ability to develop young talent, such as Jude Bellingham, who has become one of the best players in the world.

"Don't forget they got Jude Bellingham when others didn’t even believe in him and they made him a star before he went to Madrid."

Jude Bellingham's Bright Future

Reflecting on Jude Bellingham's journey and potential, Njitap is impressed by the young English star's talent and resilience.

"I think he will be competing with the best of the best for a long time to come and he has everything to go on and even be better. Look to be at Real Madrid at his age and not be bothered and just enjoy his game like he’s doing is just remarkable."

What's at Stake This Weekend

Dortmund vs. Real Madrid

Continental supremacy is at stake at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, with the Champions League Final kicking off today (June 1, 2024) at 3pm ET. Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid face off in a 2023-24 final of titanic proportions. For Dortmund, a win would be their first in 27 years, while Real Madrid seeks a historic 15th title.

No manager has won more Champions League titles than Carlo Ancelotti, who will be looking to secure his fifth trophy. Real Madrid's path to the final included victories over Manchester City and Bayern Munich, demonstrating their dominance.

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Meet Our Authors

Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.

In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content. 

Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.

 ExperienceYear
Engaged in private entrepreneurship2000-2013
Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting2013-2020
Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol2022

"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports." 

- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG

 

Principles and Ethics

Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.

Strategic Vision

Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.

Future Perspectives

Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.

 

Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Editor-in-Chief

Sol's interest in sports was sparked at a young age, inspired by athletes such as Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky. This early fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion, guiding him toward a career in sports journalism in 2007. Over the years, Sol has contributed thousands of articles and reviews to dozens of online platforms, sharing his research, knowledge, and perspectives.

“In the world of sports betting, truth is more valuable than any bonus offer.”

ExperienceYear
Content Manager, OnlineCasinoReports2012-2021
Sports Journalist, Dottraffic2009-2011
Content Writer, HouseTech2007-2009
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina Varela Galan
Problem Gambling Expert

Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project 

 “Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.

Nick Ashbourne
Nick Ashbourne
Senior Writer

Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.

Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022. 

Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.

Anna Kravtcova
Anna Kravtcova
Problem Gambling Expert

Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.

Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.