Is Zlatan Ibrahimović Sponsored by Nike?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his long-awaited comeback in Saturday's Premier League match against Newcastle United wearing Nike Mercurial football boots. However, while this usually is a clear indicator that he also has a contract with Nike, the situation with Ibrahimovic is different as he is an a an athlete with his own sportswear brand, AZ: Sportswear. Let's try to find out if he has a contract with Nike...
Ibrahimovic had been a Nike athlete from the Euro 2004 until late 2014, when he started to wear blackout Adidas boots. However, while this was a clear indicator that his contract with Nike expired after ten years, he never switched officially to Adidas but regularly switched between different blackout boots from both Adidas and Nike.
In June 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimovic launched his own sportswear brand, AZ: Sportswear. In that time, he started to lace both in branded in Adidas and Nike soccer cleats. From October 2016 until April 2017, he only laced up in Adidas X boots, while he switched to Nike Mercurial Vapor boots on April 4 2017. He slipped into the latest colorway of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 boots a few days later, indicating that he has already or is close to officially signing with the Swoosh again.
Ibrahimovic's Most Likely Contract Situation - 'Boot-Only' Deal with Nike but no Nike Ambassador
We think that Zlatan Ibrahimović has a boot-only deal with Nike and also gets some money from the Swoosh, but that he is 'not an official Nike athlete'. Why?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic laced up in the latest, brand-new Nike Mercurial Vapor boots from the Fire Pack with a custom text on the boots' upper. All this is typical for players getting their boots directly from a brand and have something like a 'deal'.
However, while wearing Nike's latest boots, Ibrahimovic is not sharing any pictures of them on social and has been also not featured in any Nike advert this year. So he is not an official ambassador / Nike athlete. This is also quite logical as he has his own sportswear brand directly competing with Nike in many sportswear products except boots. So we think that he has a contract with Nike for his boots only and gets some money for wearing them, but is no official Nike athlete.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Contract Situation - Summary
- Until Euro 2004: No Boot Contract - Wears Puma for Puma-sponsored Malmö and Adidas for Adidas-sponsored Ajax
- Euro 2004 - Fall 2014: Official Nike Mercurial Athlete
- Fall 2014 - October 2016: No Boot Deal - Laces up in Adidas Adizero & Nike Mercurial
- June 2016: Launches Own Sportswear Brand - A-Z Sportswear
- October 2016 - April 2017: Adidas Boot-Only Deal But No Official Ambassador? - Laces Up in Latest Adidas X
- April 2017 - Today: Most Likely - Nike Boot-Only Deal But No Official Brand Ambassador - Laces up in Latest Nike Mercurial
Do you also think that Zlatan Ibrahimović has a Nike contract just for his boots but is no official Nike athlete (brand ambassador available for Nike campaigns)? Let us know in the comments below and check out his boot history from the start of his career until October 2016.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1998 South Africa *Quinton Fortune Signed* Home Shirt (M) Kappa
2020/21 Atletico Madrid Track Jacket (M) Nike
1987/88 Japan #5 *Olympic Qualifier - Player Issue* Away Shirt (M) Asics
2004/05 Juventus Ibrahimovic #9 Home Shirt (L) Nike
2016/17 Chelsea Hazard #10 Away Shirt (XL) Adidas
Iconic Arsenal Shirts A3 Print
2002/03 Galatasaray Xavier #12 Home Shirt (M) Umbro
1993/94 Yokohoma Marinos Tracksuit Bottoms (XL) Mizuno
1996/98 Adidas (Germany) Kopke #1 Template GK Shirt (S)
1994/96 Italy Away Shirt (L) Nike
Stunning Fortuna Köln 2026 Regional Cup Final Kit Released
German side SC Fortuna Köln has released a highly limited special-edition kit to wear during their upcoming 2026 Mittelrheinpokal final. Produced by Dutch sportswear brand Robey, this exclusive release celebrates the club's first appearance in the regional cup final in six years, as they look to secure the trophy for the first time in 13 years.
The Robey SC Fortuna Köln 2026 Cup Final shirt introduces a striking tri-color gradient design that provides a highly bespoke look for the occasion. The top of the jersey begins in a deep navy blue, smoothly fading into a vibrant light blue chest band before transitioning into a clean white lower half.
Adding a premium, historic touch to the kit, all application details - including the Robey manufacturer branding, the central 'HIT' sponsor, and a classic standalone 'F' retro crest - are executed in metallic gold. A subtle light blue V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs complete the sophisticated aesthetic.
Priced at €75, this exclusive release serves as a unique collector's item for supporters of the Regionalliga West side. Curiously, while releasing this kit, the club has actively pushed an "All in Red" (Alle in Rot) motto for the fans attending the match, asking supporters to create a sea of red in the stands despite the team wearing their special-edition colors on the pitch.
What are your thoughts on this striking gradient Cup Final kit by Robey? Let us know in the comments below.
Aston Villa to Wear Third Kit with Charity Sponsor in Europa League Final
Aston Villa has officially confirmed they will wear their 2025-2026 Adidas third kit for the upcoming UEFA Europa League Final against SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
The decision was made due to a direct kit clash with the German side's traditional all-red home strip, forcing the Premier League club out of their iconic claret and blue. Furthermore, due to strict betting licensing regulations in Turkey, the club's principal partner, Betano, cannot be legally displayed on the jerseys. In response, the space is used by the Aston Villa Foundation for the historic showpiece event.
This special-edition jersey also features the Aston Villa Foundation branding across the chest in matching purple typography, sitting just below a commemorative Match ID text that marks the May 20 final at Besiktas Park.
Recognizing the historical significance of this unique uniform, the club is making the charity edition available to the public. Supporters can purchase these limited-edition shirts, complete with the foundation branding and central match details, in both authentic and replica versions from official club stores.
This rare combination of an alternate kit, a one-off charity sponsor, and European final detailing instantly makes this release a highly sought-after piece for shirt collectors.
