Nike ends long-standing partnership with Adidas in German soccer deal

German soccer and Adidas are parting ways, as the German soccer federation (DFB) has announced that Nike will be supplying all of Germany’s national teams with apparel and equipment from 2027 until 2034. This marks the end of a longstanding partnership with Adidas, which has been providing gear to German teams for over 70 years. The federation expressed excitement about working with Nike and the trust placed in them, while also acknowledging the significant contributions made by Adidas to German soccer over the years.

Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas, played a pivotal role in German soccer history, sitting on the bench beside the West Germany coach when the national team won their first World Cup in 1954. While Dassler did not invent the boots with changeable studs that were used in the historic victory, his company’s gear has been a staple for German soccer ever since. German teams have donned Adidas gear for all of their men’s World Cup titles, European titles, as well as the women’s World Cup and European titles. The partnership between Adidas and German soccer has been a significant and fruitful one, with the brand playing an essential role in the success of the national teams.

The decision to switch to Nike as the official supplier of German soccer gear comes after much consideration by the DFB. The federation believes that this new partnership with Nike will enable them to continue developing soccer in Germany over the next decade. While expressing gratitude towards Adidas for their long-standing partnership and the successes achieved together, the DFB is looking forward to the opportunities that working with Nike will bring. The upcoming European Championship, which Germany is hosting this summer, will be the last major tournament where the national teams will be sporting Adidas gear.

The relationship between sportswear brands and national teams is a crucial aspect of modern soccer, with companies like Nike and Adidas vying for partnerships with top teams. The German soccer federation’s decision to switch to Nike reflects the changing landscape of sports sponsorships and the opportunities that come with new partnerships. As Nike takes over as the supplier for all German national teams, it will be interesting to see how this shift impacts the performance and image of the teams on the international stage. The move marks a new chapter for German soccer and a fresh start for the national teams as they prepare for future competitions.

Overall, the news of the German soccer federation partnering with Nike marks a significant change in the landscape of soccer sponsorships. The decision to end the long-standing partnership with Adidas in favor of a new deal with Nike reflects the evolving nature of sports sponsorships and the strategic decisions made by national federations. German soccer teams have a rich history of success while wearing Adidas gear, and the transition to Nike will bring new opportunities and challenges for the national teams. As the partnership with Nike begins in 2027, fans and players alike will be looking forward to seeing how this change impacts the future of German soccer.