Vinicius Junior is in preliminary talks to return to Nike and re-establish their long-term relationship.
As disclosed by The Athletic in February, the Real Madrid forward cut his contract with the American sportswear giant back in February.
Nike has been Vinicius Jr’s most important sponsor since he was 13. He signed a 10-year deal with the brand in 2013 and in 2018 it was renewed for an additional decade.
However, Vinicius Jr’s rise to prominence following his move to Madrid in 2018 meant he began to feel that the terms of that extension did not reflect his rising status, leading to his decision to part ways with Nike .
“We are in no rush to sign another brand. The key for us is to find the right company that appreciates and believes in Vini and is ready to invest in his brand through campaigns and activations around the world,” said a person from Vinicius Jr.’s team. The Athletic back in February.
A group of Brazilian lawyers began working on a separation, but the agreement between the brand and the player did not include a termination clause.
He continued to wear Nike slippers for comfort, including wearing a pair of ‘blackout’ boots in a match against Valencia in February.
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Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, ‘blackout’ boots and the end of a Nike partnership
Many big brands, including Adidas and Puma, are monitoring the situation because of the significant commercial appeal that Vinicius Jr. currently holds as one of the best players in the world.
Nike maintained its interest in an ongoing partnership, however, with senior executives at the company’s Portland base revving up their push a month ago.
Vinicius Jr wants to stay focused on his football, with a particular eye on the Champions League, where they exited at the semi-final stage at the hands of Manchester City, and the Copa del Rey, which they won against Osasuna earlier this. month.
But after the end of the season in the next few weeks negotiations are expected to progress with Vinicius personally involved.
We stand with @vinijr. pic.twitter.com/vbgVkwK7Us
– Nike (@Nike) May 23, 2023
Vinicius Jr, who was subjected to further racist abuse during Madrid’s La Liga match with Valencia on Sunday, is a committed social justice campaigner, something he has sought support for when weighing his decision.
Nike posted on social media supporting its fight against racism on Tuesday.
Vinicius Jr was out with discomfort in his left knee as Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night. His teammates wore his No 20 shirt before the match, while supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu held up a banner saying, “Racists, out of football”.
Madrid return to La Liga action against Sevilla on Saturday before their season ends against Athletic Bilbao on June 4.
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The shocking abuse faced by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr at Valencia has been revealed in a new report
(Image: Getty Images)
