All Nike Players Who Left Brand in 2023
Dec 7, 2023, by Phan Tich Giay
- Nike Player Departures: Many star players have officially left Nike in 2023, with some contracts not being renewed.
- Puma and Adidas Gains: Players leaving Nike have primarily joined Puma and Adidas.
- Trend of Player Departures: A significant number of players have left Nike not only in 2023 but also in previous years.
Update: Since September until now, many more players have left Nike and will continue to do so. Let's take a look at these players with Footy Headlines.
Since the beginning of 2023, many of Nike's star players have officially left this sports brand, with some players rumored not to have had their contracts renewed by Nike. Let's sum up these players with Footy Headlines.
The players have officially left Nike
Players who have officially left Nike have joined Puma or Adidas.
Kai Havertz
In mid-September, Kai Havertz was spotted wearing blackout Puma Future Ultimate boots instead of Nike Phantom GX during a game against the German national team. About a month later, Puma officially announced a long-term relationship with Kai Havertz.
Dani Carvajal
After spending his entire career with Nike, Dani Carvajal officially joined Puma at the end of October.
Alexandre Lacazette
Lacazette follows in the footsteps of many to leave Nike for Puma.
Lisandaro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez left Nike and switched to Adidas X Speedportal shoes from the start of the 2022 World Cup. Then, in early 2023, Licha and Adidas officially announced a long-term partnership.
Jack Grealish
Although Jack Grealish was one of the first Nike players to wear the Phantom GX boots at the 2022 World Cup, by the end of that tournament, Jack was wearing blackout Phantom GX boots. The player then officially parted ways with Nike and joined Puma.
Mateo Kovacic
After the 2022 World Cup, Kovacic switched from his usual Nike Mercurial Vapor boots to Puma Ultra Ultimate boots. In March 3023, Puma officially announced a new contract with Kovacic.
Manuel Akanji
Not as high profile as the names above, Akanji is another player who has switched from Nike to Puma Future Ultimate for 2023.
Ousmane Dembélé
Dembele was spotted wearing Puma Ultra Ultimate shoes at the end of April 2023. But now, Dembele has been wearing Adidas X Crazyfast boots in official PSG matches. Although no official announcement has been made, it looks like Dembele will be signing with Adidas.
Harry Kane
On 17 August, Skechers officially announced a long-term deal with star footballer Harry Kane, ending the partnership between Harry Kane and Nike.
The players rumored to be leaving Nike
These players are likely to be in the final stages of their Nike contracts, so have been found to have worn other sports shoes during training and then returned to wearing Nike shoes for official matches.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Despite an excellent 2022-23 season and continued good form this season, Nike appears to have little interest in renewing Kvara's contract. At the end of October Kvarat wore Puma Future Ultimate boots and a few days ago he wore next-gen Adidas Predator 2024 boots. This shows that he will be joining Puma or Adidas in the near future.
Matthijs de Ligt
After more than a year with Nike, De Ligt regularly wore the Phantom GT and later the Phantom GX. But in recent training, De Ligt returned to the shoe line he regularly wore in the past - Adidas X. This shows that De Ligt is likely to leave Nike and return to Adidas.
Cristian Romero
During a training session with the Argentina squad in mid-November, Romero was spotted wearing Adidas X Crazyfast boots instead of the familiar Nike Mercurial Vapor, indicating that he is likely to leave Nike for Adidas soon.
Dušan Vlahović
Vlahovic recently wore the Adidas X Crazyfast with Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 during Juventus matches. This shows that he may be joining Adidas in the near future.
Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez was first spotted wearing Puma Ultra Ultimate shoes in late January 2023, and then also wore Puma Future Ultimate shoes during a Manchester City training session. To date, however, Mahrez still wears Nike Mercurial Superfly boots for official matches. It is unclear whether or not Mahrez will leave Nike to join Puma.
Aubameyang
Although he is known to regularly use custom Nike Mercurial, Aubameyang recently wore the Adidas X Crazyfast during a training session with Olympique de Marseille, suggesting that he may ditch Nike in the near future.
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has covered the Nike logo on his gloves with tape. This shows that his contract with Nike has probably expired and he is looking for a new sports brand.
Fran Garcia
Fran Garcia painted his Nike Mercurial Superfly boots black during recent Real Madrid matches, which confirms Fran Garcia's contract with Nike has expired.
Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez also wore the Adidas X Crazyfast boots during a recent AC Milan training session. It's possible that his contract with Nike is about to expire and that Nike have no intention of renewing it.
Enzo Fernández
Enzo is the latest player to ditch Nike boots. He wore Puma Ultra Ultimate boots at Chelsea's recent training session and many believe he will sign a contract with Puma in the near future.
Despite owning many excellent young stars such as Marcus Rashford, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, it won't be good if Nike continues to let its other stars leave.
Not only in 2023, but also in recent years, the number of players leaving Nike for other sports brands has been very high.
Do you think Nike should be worried about losing more players to other sports brands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Willem II 26-27 Away Kit Released
Willem II and new kit supplier Meyba have officially unveiled the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. Celebrating Willem II's 130th anniversary, the jersey is designed as a royal tribute to 130 years of club history.
The Meyba Willem II 26-27 away jersey features a rich red base decorated with elegant gold accents. A subtle jacquard pattern woven directly into the fabric features historic club crests from throughout Willem II's 130-year existence. Gold detailing is applied to the collar, sleeve cuffs, main sponsors, and Meyba's signature shoulder taping, while the club crest appears in gold with 1896-2026 written underneath.
Additional details include the anniversary dates 1896-2026 printed on the lower front hem of the shirt. The new away kit will be used during the team's 26-27 Eredivisie campaign.
Adidas Nürnberg 26-27 Away Lifestyle Collection Released
Adidas and 1. FC Nürnberg have officially launched the club's away lifestyle collection for the 26-27 season. Released alongside the new away kit, the retro-inspired range is part of the Adidas Originals line, offering fans off-pitch apparel heavily influenced by classic football heritage.
The collection features a distinct throwback aesthetic highlighted by the classic Adidas Trefoil logo and the iconic 1. FCN crest. Key garments include track jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, and long-sleeve tops styled with color-blocked chest bands and signature three-stripe detailing along the shoulders and sleeves in the club's traditional red, white, and black colors.
Designed to bridge matchday tradition with everyday streetwear, the full 26-27 Adidas Originals collection is available now through the club's online shop and select retail partners.
Jude Bellingham Spotted in Birmingham City 26-27 Home Kit
Jude Bellingham was among the spectators at St Andrew's for Birmingham City's pre-season friendly against Barcelona, wearing the club's new 2026-27 home shirt with his iconic No. 22 on the back.
The Real Madrid midfielder came through Birmingham City's academy before completing a then-club-record £26 million move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020. The transfer played a key role in helping Birmingham overcome a difficult financial period.
Despite spending just one season with the first team, the club later made the unprecedented decision to permanently retire the No. 22 shirt in his honour, cementing Bellingham's status as one of the greatest academy graduates in Birmingham City's history.
Leyton Orient 26-27 Away Kit Released
Leyton Orient and new technical partner Meyba have officially launched the club's 26-27 away kit. Marking the beginning of a five-year partnership after replacing Puma, the Spanish brand's debut away strip for the O's pays tribute to the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, commemorating the club's historic service and sacrifice.
The Meyba Leyton Orient 26-27 away jersey features a clean white base centered around a red chevron dot gradient pattern on the chest, reimagining one of Clapton Orient's most famous historic kits. Red detailing decorates the collar and sleeve cuffs, while red Meyba logos sit on the chest and shoulders alongside the club crest. Special commemorative details are integrated into the shirt.
A scroll on the back neck reads East London, while the inner hem is printed with the names of three Clapton Orient players killed during the Battle of the Somme: Richard McFadden, George Scott, and William Jonas. Matching white shorts and socks complete the new 26-27 away kit.
Standard Liège 26-27 Third Kit Released
Standard Liège and Macron have officially released the Belgian club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. The fresh strip pays homage to the city's heritage and follows the previous launch of their black and gold away jersey.
The Standard Liège 26-27 third shirt introduces a sky blue base with a black V-neck collar bordered by fluo yellow details, a color combination echoed on the sleeve cuffs. The front and back of the jersey feature an intricate pattern of intersecting lines crafted from Macron's new Eco 3D Knit jacquard fabric. Flame graphics adorn the lighter sky blue shoulders and sleeves, referencing Liège's historic nickname, La Cité Ardente.
Black accents highlight the chest, where the Macron Hero and Standard Liège crest sit alongside the main sponsor logo. The club's motto, PASSION, FIERTÉ, FERVEUR, is printed on the outer back neck collar. The new 26-27 third kit is available through the club's official online store and fan shop.
Aston Villa 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - 2 New Pictures
@TheVillaHome has leaked two more images of Aston Villa's new 26-27 third kit. It was spotted on sale at a store in Tenerife, Spain.
The kit features a unique swirling pattern inspired by the entrance to Villa Park.
