Neymar quits Nike to sign for Puma
2020 is the year that keeps on giving…
It’s been a truly unique and unpredictable year so far.
We’ve seen the Ballon d’Or get cancelled
We’ve seen Barcelona get smashed by Bayern Munich
We thought Messi was going to leave Barcelona
We’re about to see James Rodriguez finally play in the Premier League… for Everton
and now, in yet another twist of events within the footballing world, we’re about to see PSG star Neymar Jr. working his magic in Puma boots.
Not Nike.
PUMA.
Via essentiallysports.com/Getty Images
The Unthinkable
There are certain players that you only associate with one brand.
These types of players are usually high-profile superstars, who are very much sought after - with brands offering significant deals in order for these players to represent them.
Examples of these high profile relationships include:
Lionel Messi x Adidas
Cristiano Ronaldo x Nike
Neymar x Nike/Jordan
Of course, we’ve already covered the unthinkable; When Lionel Messi, Adidas poster boy, wore Nike Boots.
So now, let’s imagine Neymar, who has been with Nike since the age of 13, wearing another brand of football boots.
It just doesn’t sit right.
The Facts
Neymar Jr. has reportedly ended his £78.6 million partnership with Nike after 15 years.
According to reports, the 28-year-old and American super-brand Nike, could not agree a renewal fee - with Neymar believing the sum to be too low.
Rumours around Neymar’s departure began to gain momentum when Neymar was left out of Nike’s latest advert that was released on July 30th 2020.
According to UOL Esporte, the deal came to an end on August 31st, meaning that Neymar is now free to sign with another brand.
However, It’s reported that German Powerhouse, Puma, have managed to get the Brazilian’s signature.
RMC Sport’s, Mohamed Bouhafsi, put an end to the rumours on August 29th by tweeting; “Neymar will join Puma. He has ended his partnership with Nike!”
Will Neymar stay at PSG?
To add further fuel to the fire, this switch of brands could make way for a transfer to a club that Puma sponsor.
In this day and age, sponsors have a large influence on what club a player represents - with brands such as Adidas urging their talent to play at clubs they provide kit for.
Back in 2016, it was rumoured that Paul Pogba’s return to Manchester United was assisted by Adidas, who were very keen to make the move happen, due to their partnership with The Red Devils.
With Neymar signing for Puma, multiple outlets have linked him with a move to Premier League side, Manchester City, who supply The Citizens’ kit.
Whilst we wait for the deal to be formally announced by Puma and Neymar, it is believed that the Brazilian will switch to Puma’s latest line of speed boots; the Puma Ultra’s - a boot donned by the likes of Antoine Griezmann and now Sergio Aguero, who made the jump from the Puma One’s.
With that being said, due to the exposure and notoriety that Neymar brings, I expect Puma to bring out a signature ‘Neymar boot’ in the near future.
Via Puma/@SergioAguero
Neymar’s switch from Nike will definitely feel weird at first.
But out of all other brands in football, we at LET’S TALK BALL believe Puma suits him the most.
And I’m sure we wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Premier League sometime soon, either.
Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!
