Adidas, Nike & Puma - The Top Clubs Of Each Brand In 2020-21
Nov 6, 2020, by Chris
Update: We have updated the list according to the latest developments and information we received. Adidas now has only 5 'A teams', while Puma has seven. Nike has 10 Elite teams in the 2020-2021 season. Check out also the pyramids of football kit sponsorships of Adidas, Nike and Puma.
The 2020-2021 season brought us a lot of kit supplier switches. With it, some of the biggest teams become new Elite Teams, in example Liverpool x Nike. We take a look at which teams are the brand's top clubs for the 2020-21 season.
2020-2021 Premium Football Clubs of Adidas, Nike & Puma
There is not fixed Top Teams list of each brand that lasts forever. However, there are clear things that reveal which teams get the 'Premium Treatment' from the brands.
The stuff of the biggest clubs is available to buy globally in the brand's physical stores and also presented prominently in the stores and on social media. The 'Elite Clubs' get more bespoke stuff than other teams, including fourth kits (Nike) or EA Sports jerseys (Adidas).
In the case of Adidas, all the brand's biggest teams receive streamlined stuff such as 'Anthem Jackets', 'Pre-Match Jerseys' and things like "Chinese New Year" collections. There are five / six teams that can be defined as Adidas top clubs, with Flamengo ranked just a bit below the Top 5 (no Chinese New Year collection). We define Adidas' top clubs by the standard.
In the case of Nike, we define "Elite Clubs" with those teams that get streamlined third kits - in the 2020-21 season, 10 Nike teams will receive an Air Max-inspired third uniform.
In the case of Puma, it is most difficult. All of the brand's important clubs get an extensive range of items. There are no specific products that define an Elite Team - Puma is the most flexible brand in terms of Elite Clubs.
However, a look on Puma's website reveals which are the biggest teams - in Europe, it are "Man City, Dortmund, Milan, Marseille, Valencia". In the US, it are "Man City, Dortmund, Milan, Chivas and Palmeiras". Italy is the brand's Elite national team.
Adidas Top Clubs:
- We define six clubs as Adidas top teams in 2020-21: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus.
Nike Top Clubs:
- we define 10 clubs as Nike top teams: Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Atletico, Tottenham, Roma, Inter, Galatasaray, Liverpool and Leipzig (Air Max third kits)
Puma Top Clubs:
- 7 teams are Puma top clubs: Man City, Chivas, Dortmund, Milan, Marseille, Valencia & Palmeiras
If we look at Puma, there are three clubs that are above the others currently - Manchester City, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. Those three teams are the only featured in the Top Menu of the European & US website.
Do you agree with the brand's rankings and their top teams? Let us know in the comments below.
Special Rayados 'Legado 86' Commemorative Kit Released
Mexican side CF Monterrey and Puma have officially unveiled a special commemorative jersey, titled the Jersey Legado 86. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Monterrey's first-ever Liga MX league championship won in the Mexico 1986 tournament, the commemorative shirt made its on-pitch debut during their 26-27 Liga MX match against Cruz Azul.
The shirt's defining characteristic is the substitution of the modern club crest with the classic 1986 retro emblem, which showcases the historic mountain silhouette, vintage football, and classic club lettering. Puma positioned their red cat logo and the retro crest to replicate the arrangement seen on the original 1986 jersey, while modern club partners such as BBVA and Codere are incorporated across the traditional navy and white stripes.
Several bespoke detailing elements complete the design, including a star graphic with the number 86 printed inside the collar and the current Rayados crest positioned on the nape of the neck. Released in a limited run of 1,986 pieces, the collector's item pays homage to one of the most celebrated moments in the club's history.
FC Kaiserslautern 26-27 Special Kit Released
Bundesliga 2 side 1. FC Kaiserslautern have officially unveiled their special 2026-27 'Herz der Pfalz' (Heart of the Palatinate) kit. Made by Castore, the shirt debuted against Eintracht Braunschweig and celebrates the region's wine culture and late-summer wine festivals.
The special shirt features a light beige base with a darker stylized grapevine pattern, while Bordeaux-red details appear on the collar, cuffs and monochrome Castore and FCK logos. The 'Herz der Pfalz' wording is placed on the upper back, with additional lettering inside the collar.
What do you think of the new 1. FC Kaiserslautern 2026-27 special kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Various Argentine Clubs To Switch Kit Supplier
Following latest reports from Argentine kit expert Marca de Gol, various Argentine clubs are expected to change kit supplier for the upcoming 2027 season.
Notably, four top flight sides could already be on their way to partner with local brand Atomik: Vélez Sársfield, Atlético Talleres, Gimnasia La Plata and Atlético Tucumán. On the other hand, Italian brand Givova are seemingly losing two teams - Gimnasia as mentioned above and Atlético Unión to Fiume Sports.
Which of these supplier change do you look forward the most? Let us know in the comments.
Puma Kit Durability Questioned Again as Julian Ryerson Suffers Ripped Shorts
Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson suffered an unusual kit malfunction during BVB's 1-0 Bundesliga victory against VfB Stuttgart. Midway through the second half, the Norwegian international engaged in a physical duel with Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling. As Leweling fell to the turf, he grabbed hold of Ryerson's shorts, completely tearing the outer seam apart and leaving the fabric hanging loose.
Ryerson initially attempted to carry on playing by knotting the shredded material at his hip. After repeatedly signaling toward the bench that the damaged kit could not hold up, he eventually made his way to the sideline. Second-choice goalkeeper Alexander Meyer rushed over to hand him a fresh pair, resulting in a brief moment where Ryerson was left in his base-layer yellow undershorts before donning the replacement gear and re-entering the pitch.
The incident has brought Puma's kit durability back under scrutiny. The German brand constructs its authentic elite kits using lightweight Ultraweave performance fabric, prioritizing minimal weight and high breathability. However, the delicate material has repeatedly faced criticism among supporters after tearing in high-intensity tussles, with Ryerson's mishap marking another visible tear on the Bundesliga stage this 26-27 season.
Monterrey Debuts Special Coca-Cola 100th Anniversary Kit Font
CF Monterrey sported a special commemorative nameset on their 26-27 Puma home kit during their Liga MX match against Cruz Azul at Estadio BBVA. The bespoke squad numbers and lettering were created in collaboration with longtime club partner Coca-Cola to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary in Mexico (1926-2026).
The font features an eye-catching textured look inspired by traditional Mexican artisan beadwork. Rendered in a bold red base adorned with intricate white, green, and red jewel-like accents reflecting the national flag, each number also integrates a subtle Rayados crest at the base. Positioned neatly above the numbers is the official red Coca-Cola 100 México anniversary script and lockup.
Alongside its on-pitch appearance with the first team, the commemorative nameset was released as an exclusive collector's edition. Only 100 supporters were given the opportunity to customize their 26-27 home shirt with the special font directly at the official Estadio BBVA club store.