Rakuten Could Remain Barcelona Main Sponsor - Nike Could Force Barça To Pay For Printing Costs Of Sponsor
Nov 18, 2021, by Chris
It already seemed to be certain that FC Barcelona will have a new main sponsor from the 2022-2023 season. Now usually well-informed Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Rakuten could remain FC Barcelona's sponsor beyond summer 2022.
Last week, it emerged that FC Barcelona apparently has completed the negotiation for a sleeve sponsor - Chiliz (Socios - "$BAR" fan token) will certainly become the club's new sleeve sponsor.
Rakuten Could Extend FC Barcelona Main Sponsor Deal
According to Mundo Deportivo, there have been new contacts between the club and Rakuten. FC Barcelona do not rule out the possibility of reactivating the relationship with the Japanese e-commerce and audiovisual content company owned by Hiroshi Mikitani.
Barcelona rejected some "shady" offers from potential new main sponsors
Rakuten "had not been too happy with the association with FC Barcelona". However, owner Mikitani was weaving a good relationship with Gerard Piqué, to the point that he became a sponsor of his Davis Cup and also of the latest tour of a world star of the song as is his partner, Shakira.
Barcelona want at least 55 million euro / year
Barcelona also would have already received several offers from potential new main sponsors like insurance companies. They rejected a proposal from a company of online courses based in India and another of cryptocurrencies from the Middle East.
Barça aspire to receive at least the 55 million Euro per year it agreed with Rakuten in 2016. This season, Rakuten only pay 30 million Euro due to the effects of the pandemic.
FC Barcelona might have to pay for the printing costs of the new sponsor
Time is running out to be able to produce next season's shirts with the new sponsor, although Nike has given Barça a few more weeks' time. If in the end the Barcelona 22-23 kits have to be manufactured without the sponsor, the club will have to pay for the printing costs.
Do you think Rakuten will stay Barcelona's main sponsor? Comment below.
Nike Mercurial 26-27 'United' Pack 4 Boots Leaked - 3 New Pictures
rfboots has leaked new images of the new Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 boots, part of the United 004 collection, which will be released soon.
The boots feature a fresh light blue primary color with vibrant orange details, including a silver Swoosh with orange outlining and an orange Nike United logo on the heel.
Bristol Rovers 26-27 Third Kit Released
Bristol Rovers have officially unveiled their new 26-27 third kit, produced by Puma. The tertiary strip was already given an on-pitch debut by the squad during their recent League Two away match against Gillingham.
The Puma Bristol Rovers 26-27 third shirt introduces a stylish look with a black base and soft pink accents. A subtle tonal line pattern covers the front and back of the torso, complemented by contrasting pink inserts along the shoulders, side panels, and collar. The monochrome club crest, Puma cat branding, and front-of-shirt sponsor Pukka are all finished in the same matching pink shade.
Black shorts and black socks with pink detailing complete the new Puma Bristol Rovers 26-27 third uniform. Season ticket holders will have early access to purchase the strip at an exclusive club shop event on September 24, followed by a general in-store release on September 25 and online sales starting September 28.
Colombia's DIMAYOR Mandates Standard Helvetica Font for All Teams From 2027
Colombian football governing body DIMAYOR is set to introduce sweeping kit branding regulations starting with the 2027 Liga BetPlay season. An official circular distributed to professional clubs outlines strict new rules for shirt names, numbering, and sleeve badges. Most notably, the league will mandate Helvetica as the sole official typeface for player names and squad numbers across all participating teams, stripping clubs and kit manufacturers of the ability to use custom fonts. Big thanks to @cdfactoryco.
Beyond standardizing the typography, the regulations strictly govern visibility and colors. All names and numbers must appear either in solid black on light-colored kits or solid white on dark-colored kits, with no additional accent colors or outlines permitted. For shirts featuring stripes or graphic patterns, clubs must integrate a blank, single-tone rectangle measuring exactly 34 cm by 26 cm on the back to host the number. Player names must be positioned directly above the number with a font height between 5 cm and 7 cm, while DIMAYOR and competition sleeve badges will have designated dimensions and mandatory placement below club sponsor patches.
DIMAYOR is also putting an end to unconventional squad numbers. Players will only be allowed to wear consecutive integers from 1 up to the total number of registered squad members, outlawing high numbers such as 77, 88, or 99. The drastic move has sparked backlash among Colombian football fans and kit designers, who have criticized the choice of a standard office typeface and the loss of distinctive club identity on the pitch.
Zinedine Zidane Wears Limited-Edition Adidas "Zidane x Adidas" 30-Year Anniversary Boots in France Training
France head coach Zinedine Zidane was spotted lacing up his limited-edition Adidas Predator 26 'ZZ30' 30-Year Anniversary boots during Les Bleus' training session at Clairefontaine. Leading the squad onto the pitch ahead of their upcoming fixtures, the French maestro gave his latest signature boots an on-pitch debut in classic Zizou fashion.
Officially launched in September 2026, the boots mark three decades since Zidane first joined forces with Adidas ahead of Euro 1996. The boot features a clean Cloud White base highlighted by metallic gold detailing, accompanied by French Tricolore accents on the heel. Personal touches celebrating his iconic career are visible throughout the design, including 'ZZ30' branding, references to cities that shaped his journey, and a graphic paying tribute to his famous 2002 Champions League final volley.
Bespoke details include a classic folded tongue with the number '30', the stylized nickname 'ZI30U' on the soleplate and insole, and a graphic depiction of Zidane's legendary 2002 Champions League final volley on the heel counter.
Inter Miami Announce American Airlines as First-Ever Airline Partner
Inter Miami CF have officially announced a multi-year partnership with American Airlines, naming the carrier the club's first-ever Official Airline Partner. Under the extensive agreement, American Airlines becomes an Official Partner of Inter Miami as well as a Founding Partner of both Nu Stadium and the broader Miami Freedom Park district.
As part of the deal, the premium hospitality West Club inside the new venue will be rebranded as the American Lounge. Covering more than 14,500 square feet across the entire west stand and seating over 1,800 fans, the lounge will anchor the airline's presence on matchdays. The stadium site sits adjacent to Miami International Airport, which serves as American Airlines' third-largest hub.
The collaboration also introduces bespoke fan experiences through the carrier's AAdvantage loyalty program, offering members pitchside access for the second half of matches, away-game travel packages, and the ability to redeem miles for tickets and VIP experiences. The club will additionally host an annual American Airlines Theme Night, with the first celebration scheduled for October 14, 2026.