Vinicius Junior wore all black boots during Real’s La Liga game. Madrid vs Valencia on Thursday After he ended his commercial partnership with Nike.
Vinicius, 22, is the latest high-profile player to leave Nike’s Stable after the likes of Neymar (Puma), Raheem Sterling (New Balance) and Sergio Ramos (Mizuno) also left the American sports company.
Nike has been Vinicius’ biggest sponsor since 2013, when he was just 13, signed a 10-year contract with the brand, and in 2018 renewed it for another 10 years.
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Vinicius, who made his 200th appearance against Valencia tonight Conditions were improved when he signed a second contract. But the striker quickly established himself as a key player for both Real. madrid and brazil
Vinicius’ social media profiles grew rapidly during this time. While his shirt sales are also strong. His involvement in Real Madrid publicity Madrid is also limited. Because the club is sponsored by Adidas, Nike’s rival brand.
Vinicius soon felt that the terms of his contract extension did not reflect his growing status. And he decided he wanted to leave the Nike stable. His team of lawyers began working to break up. But the agreement between the brand and the player did not specify a termination clause.
However, the striker made his feelings clear. And at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he played for Brazil wearing old boots instead of the latest Mercurial XV worn by other players of the brand.
Thursday’s game against Valencia. Vinicius took to the field wearing ‘turn off the lights’ boots without any branding visible.
“Vini’s contract with Nike has expired,” said a source close to the player, who could not be named defending their job. The Athletic on Thursday evening “We are in no hurry to sign contracts with other brands.
“The key for us was finding the right company who admired and believed in Vini and was willing to invest in his brand through campaigns and global activations.”
The Athletic Nike has been contacted for comment.
What now?
There is no serious contact between the player and other brands, his team is said to be relaxed about the situation. And is waiting until his Nike contract expires before discussing opportunities with other companies.
Vinicius currently has deals with eight brands: Pepsi, EA Sports, One Football, Royaltiz, Golden Concept and three Brazilian brands Vivo (the country’s most important phone company), Zé Delivery and Bennacional.
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(Image: Getty Images)
