German soccer stunned after Adidas ditched for Nike
The German Football Federation (DFB) has caused a shock by announcing its national team kits will be now be made by US sportswear giants Nike from 2027 rather than its long-standing home supplier Adidas.
The DFB and Adidas are so close that the Germany men’s team often bases itself at the Adidas headquarters near Nuremberg and will do so again for the home European Championship in June and July.
But now DFB has negotiated a deal with Nike that runs until 2034, the federation said in a statement on Thursday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Adidas appeared surprised by the development, with a company spokesman saying: “We were informed by the DFB today that the association will have a new kit supplier from 2027.”
Switching from Adidas - a world renowned German brand - would have been unthinkable for the DFB just a few years ago, but the body is under considerable financial pressure.
“We look forward to working with Nike and thank them for the trust they have placed in us. The future partnership will enable the DFB to continue to fulfil key tasks in the coming decade with a view to the comprehensive development of football in Germany,” DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said.
“But one thing is also clear: until December 2026, we will be fully committed to the joint success of our long-standing and current partner Adidas, to whom German football has owed a great deal for more than seven decades.”
The news comes just days after Adidas released Germany’s new away kit, which raised eyebrows because of its bright pink colour and was panned by some fans online. Early sales figures, though, have been strong.
DFB treasurer Stephan Grunwald spelled out that money had been a major factor in the deal.
“We are grateful to be able to look forward to an economically stable future again as an association thanks to the commitment promised by Nike,” he said.
Germany’s men and women have won every single one of their World Cups or European Championships while wearing Adidas kit during a 70-year partnership.
