Kylian Mbappe ends Nike partnership as surprise sportswear deal nears

Kylian Mbappe has ended his long-standing partnership with Nike and is expected to sign a lucrative deal with an unexpected sportswear brand.

The Real Madrid forward’s contract with Nike, which had sponsored him since he was eight, ended on 31 July. French media reports cited by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo say Mbappe is now close to joining a new company, although it is not expected to be one of the established names in the sportswear market.

According to French football journalist Thibaud Vezirian, the prospective agreement could deliver Mbappe a significant financial return. The company is reportedly not expected to be Adidas, Puma or Under Armour, all of which are among the best-known brands in the sector.

“Things are moving very quickly for an unexpected brand to become Kylian Mbappe’s official kit supplier,” Vezirian said, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

He added: “The final details of the deal are currently being completed. It is a major change. A footballer will be involved in this agreement, which will allow the brand to enter the world of football strongly 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 identity of the new sportswear partner has not been revealed, but the reported arrangement would represent a major change for Mbappe after more than a decade with Nike. The France captain established his relationship with the American company during his childhood and has since become one of the most recognisable figures in world football.

The development comes as another high-profile player is also reportedly considering a change of kit supplier.

Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki is expected to leave Adidas this summer when his current contract expires, according to French outlet Le10Sport. Puma is said to be interested in signing the former Lyon player and could benefit from its position as Manchester City’s official kit supplier.

A recent report by French newspaper L’Equipe claimed Cherki could agree a sponsorship contract worth between 3m and 4m euros. If completed at that level, the deal would place him among the 10 highest-paid footballers in the world in terms of kit sponsorship income.

Neither Mbappe’s reported new partnership nor Cherki’s potential agreement has been formally confirmed. Mbappe’s move would nevertheless mark a significant shift in the commercial landscape surrounding one of football’s biggest stars, while Cherki’s proposed switch could further strengthen Puma’s presence among elite players.