With his contract with Nike set to expire in the summer of 2026, Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe is currently in the middle of tough negotiations to extend his partnership with the American sportsw...
With his contract with Nike set to expire in the summer of 2026, Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe is currently in the middle of tough negotiations to extend his partnership with the American sportswear giant, reports Fabrice Hawkins.
As captain of the French national team and a global superstar playing for Real Madrid, Mbappe represents a strategic asset for Nike, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
At the same time, rival brands such as Adidas and Under Armour are closely monitoring the situation and hoping to seize a major opportunity.
The partnership between the 26-year-old attacker and Nike began in 2019. Talks over an extension beyond 2026 have intensified, but no financial agreement has yet been reached.
The stakes are particularly high for Nike, with the World Cup taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada – key markets for the brand.
Mbappe, who continues to be a prolific goalscorer for Real Madrid, knows his market value and is fully aware of the leverage he holds. While he has privately expressed how comfortable he feels wearing Nike boots, that alone does not guarantee an extension.
Mbappe warming up in his Nike boots. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
According to sources close to the talks, meetings between Mbappe’s camp and Nike have multiplied in recent weeks.
Rival brands on alert
Although Nike still maintains a clear advantage over competitors, the gap is not insurmountable, and other brands are ready to make a move.
Adidas is one of the most attentive observers. The German brand recently signed Rodrygo, Mbappe’s teammate at Real Madrid, a move that aligns well with the club’s own sponsorship ties.
Under Armour has also shown concrete interest. The American company, already sponsoring Mbappe’s close friend Achraf Hakimi – has already reached out to the French star.
While Under Armour has a smaller global footprint in football, it possesses significant financial resources and could be willing to make an exceptional offer, even if it currently trails far behind in the race.
Mbappe’s financial expectations are in line with his elite status and amount to tens of millions of euros. Another record-breaking deal is not out of the question.
Category: General Sports
