Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing relationship with Nike and is expected to sign a lucrative deal with an unanticipated sportswear company.
The Real Madrid and France forward separated from Nike on 31 July, bringing an end to a partnership that began when he was eight years old. The American brand had sponsored Mbappe throughout his rise from promising young player to one of the most recognisable footballers in the world.
According to French media reports cited by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe is now preparing to join a new company in a deal that could provide him with a highly rewarding income.
However, the identity of the brand is not expected to be an obvious choice from the established names in the sportswear industry. French football journalist Thibaud Vezirian, who specialises in Ligue 1, said the company involved was unlikely to be Adidas, Puma or Under Armour.
“Things are moving very quickly for an unexpected brand to become Kylian Mbappe’s official kit supplier,” Vezirian said, according to Mundo Deportivo.
He added: “The final details of the deal are currently being settled. It is a major change. A football star will be involved in this agreement, allowing the brand to make a powerful entry into the world of football through high-quality sports shoes. There is no doubt that Kylian Mbappe will benefit from his own brand and his stake in the company.”
The reports suggest the agreement could involve more than a conventional sponsorship arrangement. Mbappe is expected to benefit from the development of a personal brand, while also holding a share in the company behind the deal.
No name has been given for the sportswear business, and the reports do not confirm when Mbappe’s new partnership will be formally announced.
Elsewhere, Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki is also expected to change his footwear sponsor this summer, according to French website Le10Sport.
Cherki’s contract with Adidas is close to expiring. Puma is reportedly interested in signing the former Lyon player, with the company already serving as the official kit supplier to Manchester City.
A recent report by French sports newspaper L’Equipe claimed that Cherki could agree a contract worth between 3m and 4m euros. Such a deal would place him among the world’s 10 highest-paid footballers in terms of footwear sponsorship income.
The potential changes involving Mbappe and Cherki would see two high-profile players move away from established sportswear partnerships, although Mbappe’s next destination remains unknown.
