Antonio Rudiger sells signed shirt to save pygmy hippos

Antonio Rudiger is auctioning off his signed Real Madrid shirt to help save pygmy hippos from extinction.

Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger is now the honorary sponsor of Toni the pygmy hippo at the Berlin Zoo.

He has teamed up with the zoo to hold an online auction on Catawiki. The items up for sale include Toni’s miniature football and a statue of the Indian rhinoceros Betty. But the most special item is the shirt Antonio Rudiger wore in the 4-0 win over Osasuna.

All proceeds from the auction will go to a pygmy hippo research project in the Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone. The project aims to save the pygmy hippo from extinction.

Antonio Rudiger told Newsflash: “The habitat of the pygmy hippopotamus in West Africa is seriously threatened. It would be heartbreaking if this unique animal disappeared forever. Together we are protecting this animal from extinction.”

The German centre-back added: “This auction is to support a conservation project in Sierra Leone. It is a great opportunity for everyone to donate together. I hope many people will join.”

This is the latest charity activity of the Real Madrid star. Previously, in 2022, he traveled to West Africa to launch the Antonio Rudiger educational charity. That same year, the German player used his World Cup bonus to fund 11 surgeries for children.

In 2022, Antonio Rudiger left Chelsea to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. He and the “white vultures” have achieved success with the La Liga championship, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup and two UEFA Super Cups.