German soccer and Adidas have decided to part ways.
American sportswear giant Nike will supply apparel and equipment to all German national teams from 2027, the German Football Federation (DFB) surprisingly announced on Thursday.
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The new agreement extends until 2034 and brings to an end Germany's long-standing relationship with Adidas, which dates back nearly 70 years and was thought to be rock solid.
The German men's team is using Adidas' headquarters in Herzogenaurach, near Nuremberg, as its team base for this summer's European Championships, which Germany will host.
Adidas appeared surprised by DFB's decision to switch to its arch-rival, only confirming in a short statement: “Today we were informed by DFB that the association will be acquiring a new supplier from 2027.” .
The German team wore Adidas gear in all four men's World Cup titles, three European titles, two women's World Cups and eight European titles.
“We look forward to working with Nike and the trust they have placed in us,” federation president Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement. “The upcoming partnership will enable the DFB to continue carrying out its important tasks regarding the comprehensive development of German football over the next 10 years.
“But one thing is clear: until December 2026, we will do everything in our power to share success with our long-standing and current partner Adidas, to whom German football has owed a great debt for more than 70 years.” Thing”
Adi Dassler, the founder of the German sportswear brand, wore his company's screw-in stud boots on the bench next to West Germany coach Sepp Herberger when the West German men's team won its first World Cup in 1954. I was sitting there.
Dassler did not invent boots with changeable studs, as many believe. These were invented several years ago by German shoemaker Alexander Salot, who registered his invention with the German Patent Office on August 30, 1949.
But they certainly helped the Germans defeat Hungary in the 1954 World Cup final. Mr Dassler's company has continued to supply equipment to German football ever since, and just last week unveiled new kits for Germany's Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 to July 14.
Germany Under-21s coach Antonio Di Salvo said the decision to change kit suppliers was “a huge surprise for everyone…especially now that the new kit for the European Championship has been announced. We didn't expect that.” he said.
Financial and other concerns appear to be behind the decision.
Holger Blask, CEO of the DFB, said: “Nike has made its best financial offer to date, demonstrating a clear commitment to the promotion of amateur and grassroots sport and the sustainable development of women's football in Germany. I was also impressed by the substantive vision including this.”
DFB treasurer Stefan Grunwald also pointed out that the future of German football is brighter as a result of the new contract.
“We are grateful that, thanks to Nike's efforts, we can look forward to a financially stable future as an association,” Grunwald said, without providing details on how much the U.S. company would pay.
This clearly exceeds the amount Adidas was prepared to invest in extending its existing contract. However, the DFB's decision to switch did not receive widespread support domestically.
German Deputy Prime Minister Robert Habeck said: “It is almost impossible to imagine a German uniform without the three stripes.” “For me, Adidas and black, red and gold have always gone together and been part of the German identity. I wish there was a little more local patriotism.”