Kylian Mbappe's Nike Partnership Comes to an End

One of world football's most significant commercial partnerships is coming to an end. According to French Ligue 1 insider Thibaud Vézirian, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe's contract with the American sportswear giant Nike expired on July 31, and he is now close to sealing a highly lucrative deal with an "unexpected brand." According to information relayed by Vézirian via Mundo Deportivo, this new brand is not one of the established industry giants such as Adidas, Puma or Under Armour.

According to the report, the company described as an "unexpected brand" plans to make a major entry into the football market with a premium line of boots, with Mbappe set to receive his own signature line as well as an equity stake in the business. Vézirian wrote: "Kylian Mbappe will undoubtedly benefit from his own brand and from a stake in the company," with the structure emphasised as moving him beyond simply being the face of a brand into becoming part of the business itself, similar to the Jordan Brand model or Roger Federer's stake in On Running.

It's recalled that Mbappe, who has been with Nike since he was eight years old, with his previous Nike deal estimated at €14-17 million a year, recently received his own signature Nike boots, a design said to symbolise his connection to the streets of his home city, Paris. It's noted that Real Madrid have had a kit deal with Adidas for many years, and that Mbappe's contract with the club runs until 2029. Following a disappointing season without a major trophy, Mbappe is said to be aiming to bounce back next season, with Real Madrid having strengthened their squad with high-profile signings such as Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.

Source: Thibaud Vézirian
Image: Euronews