The notorious “Drake Curse” has claimed another high-profile victim: the rapper’s own bank account. Over the years, sports fans and athletes alike have feared the Canadian superstar’s public backing, believing his support carries a supernatural jinx. That superstition was cemented yet again after Drake lost a staggering $1.5 million bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in a highly anticipated international showdown.
A Million-Dollar Gamble Gone Wrong
Known for his high-stakes sports gambling, Drake took to social media prior to the final to show off his massive wager. Confident in the Argentine squad, the “Hotline Bling” hitmaker placed a $1.5 million bet on Argentina to lift the trophy. However, Spain’s formidable squad had other plans, delivering a masterclass performance that left Drake empty-handed and sports fans laughing across the globe.
While Argentina entered the match as strong favorites for many, Spain’s relentless attack and tactical discipline proved too much to handle. As the final whistle blew, sealing Spain’s victory, the internet collectively erupted, pointing the finger at Drake’s infamous track record of backing losing sides.
What is the ‘Drake Curse’?
For the uninitiated, the “Drake Curse” is a long-running pop culture phenomenon based on a bizarrely consistent pattern: whenever Drake poses with an athlete, wears a team’s jersey, or publicly bets on a competitor, that athlete or team inevitably suffers a major defeat. Some of the most famous victims of the curse include:
- Anthony Joshua: Lost his heavyweight titles to Andy Ruiz Jr. shortly after posing for a photo with Drake.
- Conor McGregor: Suffered a brutal defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov after Drake supported him at the weigh-ins.
- Serena Williams: Shockingly lost the U.S. Open semifinal in 2015 with Drake cheering from her player’s box.
- FC Barcelona: Wore a special OVO-branded jersey for El Clásico, only to lose 3-1 to Real Madrid.
Fans React to Drake’s Latest Football Flop
Social media platforms were flooded with memes and jokes immediately following Spain’s victory. Many football enthusiasts joked that Spain fans should send Drake a thank-you note for virtually guaranteeing their victory. Others lamented Argentina’s bad luck, claiming the team stood no chance the moment the rapper posted his betting slip online.
Despite the massive financial loss, Drake appears to take his gambling defeats in stride. As one of the world’s highest-earning artists, a $1.5 million hit is unlikely to deter him from placing his next mega-wager. However, athletes worldwide are likely hoping he steers clear of backing their teams in the near future.