Nike cancels Karim Benzema advertising shoot

Nike reportedly cancelled a London advertising shoot with Karim Benzema just one day before filming, according to The Athletic.

The project, planned in partnership with streetwear brand Corteiz, was scheduled for Thursday but was called off late Wednesday after Nike reviewed the 38-year-old forward’s controversial public history.

Sources cited by the report said the sportswear company concluded that Benzema’s widely publicised controversies did not fit its brand values. Nike did not identify the specific issues involved, but the decision appears linked to the player’s 2021 conviction in France for complicity in an attempted blackmail case involving former teammate Mathieu Valbuena.

Benzema received a one-year suspended prison sentence and a €75,000 fine. He later chose not to appeal the ruling. The affair also contributed to his lengthy absence from the France national team.

Nike offered a carefully worded response, saying: “This project does not reflect a wider relationship between the athlete and Nike. We regret that discussions went this far.”

The cancellation comes shortly after Benzema’s long partnership with Adidas ended. The former Ballon d’Or winner is currently a free agent following his departure from Al-Hilal and must now consider his next sporting and commercial steps.