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      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland signs new £20m mega deal… but it’s not for Man City

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      ERLING HAALAND has signed an eye-watering new £20million contract.But it is NOT with Manchester City.
      Erling Haaland has signed a mega contract with NikeCredit: The Mega Agency
      He is now tied down for at least a decade and likely the rest of his careerCredit: The Mega Agency
      The Norwegian was motivated to be the ‘new face of No9’Credit: The Mega Agency
      Instead the Norwegian goal machine agreed new terms with boot supplier Nike.
      Reports last month suggested he was close to signing the deal.
      And now he has put pen to paper on the fresh terms worth a staggering £20m in reportedly the biggest sponsorship deal in football.
      It is understood the contract lasts more than a decade and was signed so Haaland could emulate his hero Ronaldo as the “new face of No9”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The City superstar, 22, first joined Nike aged just 14 but his latest contract expired in January 2022.
      That led to him wearing various boots including Puma Ultras for his City unveiling and adidas X Speedportals in the Community Shield.
      But he returned to his tried and tested Nike Mercurial Vapors for his Premier League debut as the bidding war between the three companies waged on.
      Now, though, it is all settled with a “career-long” contract as a key figure for the American brand.
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      Nike have Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo on their existing list of stars.
      They also sponsor some of the best women in world football with Alexia Putellas, Ada Hegerberg, Leah Williamson, Megan Rapinoe and Sam Kerr on the books.
      A Nike statement said: “His record-breaking scoring has put a stamp on the future of the game, and makes him the heir to No 9 — the next-generation striker.”
      Haaland has continued to bang in the goals with terrifying frequency since arriving at the Etihad for £51.4m last summer.
      He has 42 goals in just 37 games under Pep Guardiola and shows no sign of slowing down.
      The soon-to-be Golden Boot winner could break the Premier League goal record for a single season by netting seven more times to surpass Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer’s tally of 34.
      Haaland has been with Nike since he was 14Credit: AP:Associated Press
      He wore adidas boots for pre-seasonCredit: AP
      Haaland was back in Nike boots come the beginning of the Premier League campaignCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen’s career outside F1 blocked by clothing giant Nike as Red Bull ace looks to expand empire before retiring

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S attempts to venture into the fashion industry have suffered a severe blow.The two-time Formula 1 world champion, 25, is looking to expand his empire as he already prepares for life after racing.
      Max Verstappen’s clothing brand has hit a major issueCredit: Rex
      Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and is reportedly planning to go for some other motorsport-related goals outside of F1 once his deal expires.
      But he is also looking at the world outside of racing, with the Dutchman wanting to create a clothing brand named “Max 1”.
      However, De Limburger are now reporting that Nike have taken umbrage with his proposed name.
      This is because they believe it to be too similar to their “Nike: Air Max” shoe range.
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      A report from the region’s trademark agency, The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property, has confirmed an investigation is taking place following a complaint from Nike.
      As well as concerns around the name’s similarity, Nike’s opposition also relates to styling issues.
      The report states: “Both signs contain the word MAX, albeit in a different place. In the trademarks invoked, the elements AIR and MAX have equal weight in the overall impression. In the contested sign, the emphasis is on the word MAX. The number 1 will be regarded as a specification of MAX. To that extent the signs agree.
      “The goods in question (Nike and Max) are partly identical and partly similar. Visually and aurally, there is a certain degree of similarity between the signs.
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      “Based on these and the other factors mentioned above and given their interdependence, the Office considers that there is a likelihood of confusion in the sense that the public may believe that the goods covered by the trade marks invoked and those of the contested sign belong to the same undertaking or, as the case may be, from economically linked companies.
      “Since it is common practice in the clothing sector for the same mark to be configured in different ways, the relevant public might also think that the contested sign is a sub-mark of the opponent (Nike).”
      Meanwhile, on the track, Verstappen is in a superb position to claim a third successive drivers’ championship in 2023.
      After strolling to victory in Bahrain in the season opener, he managed to finish second in Saudi Arabia behind team-mate Sergio Perez despite qualifying 15th due to a broken driveshaft.
      Next up for the F1 paddock is the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, April 2. More

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      in Soccer

      Nike and Puma to stop making football boots from premium kangaroo leather

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      TOP sports brands are to stop making football boots with premium kangaroo leather.The likes of Nike and Puma are ditching it in favour of synthetic uppers after pressure from animal rights activists and a crackdown in the United States.
      The popular Nike Tiempo will in future use alternative synthetic fabric
      Ex-England captain David Beckham stopped wearing his kangaroo-skin boots in 2006 after he was sent graphic images of animals being slaughtered for them.
      US sportswear giant Nike announced last week that by the end of the year kangaroo leather would not be used in any of its products.
      They said its popular Tiempo range — worn by stars including Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson — will in future use alternative synthetic fabric.
      It comes after German brand Puma agreed to ditch kangaroo leather a few weeks ago.
      read more on animal rights
      Nike’s recent announcement has been welcomed by Wayne Pacelle — the president of animal welfare group the Centre for a Humane Economy — who called it a “seismic event for wildlife protection”.
      Nike was a target of the group’s “Kangaroos are not shoes” campaign video. More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish signs ‘British record contract’ as he agrees long-term boot deal in major brand change

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      JACK GREALISH has signed a reportedly British record contract with Puma.The brand will take over from Nike as the Man City star’s boot sponsor, as he revealed on Instagram.
      Jack Grealish has signed a sponsorship deal with PumaCredit: Puma
      It is believed to be a record for a British playerCredit: Puma
      He was previously signed with NikeCredit: Puma
      Grealish had worn Nike boots for his entire career but now he joins the likes of Neymar and Antoine Greizmann as part of Puma’s roster.
      The Telegraph have reported that the deal could see Grealish get a “blockbuster record-breaking boot deal for a British player”.
      This could see him earn more than the deals that Harry Kane and Gareth Bale had.
      Grealish is already an ambassador of brands such as Gucci, Bose headphones and Airwayz.
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      On the new deal, the 27-year-old said: “For me Puma felt like a perfect fit.
      “They have an amazing history in football and have worked with some of the world’s greatest players.
      “I am delighted to join the family and to be a Puma 2 Future athlete.
      “I am at home on the pitch and want to express myself, which is something I like about the brand, they do things differently and have a great outlook on football.
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      “Puma are more than just a sports brand, they play a huge role in culture.
      “My focus is always football, but I love fashion and style, so there are many exciting projects we plan to work on together on the pitch and beyond it.”
      Puma director Johan Adamsson added: “Jack Grealish is one of the most exciting players in Europe, with his outstanding technical skills and his quick feet he can be the difference between winning and losing.
      “He turns heads on and off the pitch with his quick feet and personal style which makes him an outstanding new addition to the Puma family.
      “We want Jack to be one of the leading faces of the brand in football and culture.
      “Jack’s position opens the opportunities to work across many of our fashion forward initiatives and work together with him on his many personal causes.” More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua will end up with more trainers than Nike at this rate and should heed some wise advice before Franklin

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA, at his training camp deep in the heart of Texas, should think long and hard about the boxing adage: “Fighters make trainers — trainers don’t make fighters.”Joshua sacked Robert McCracken — the man who took him from the amateurs and turned him into a world heavyweight champion — after he lost his WBA, IBF and WBO titles to Oleksandr Usyk at Spurs’ stadium two years ago.
      Anthony Joshua is set to fight Jermaine FranklinCredit: Alamy
      Derrick James is Joshua’s new trainerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      He replaced him with Robert Garcia — but he didn’t last long. He was shown the door when AJ failed to regain his belts in the return in Jeddah seven months ago.
      As AJ sets out on the road to redemption, there will be another stranger in his corner when he makes his comeback against Jermaine Franklin at the 02 Arena on April 1.
      After much searching, AJ has settled on the highly- respected Dallas-based American Derrick James, to resurrect his shattered career following his second defeat against Usyk which led to his shocking post-fight meltdown in the ring.
      The way Joshua’s going he’s likely to end up with more trainers than Nike.
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      Franklin, 29, who has been with his trainer Jesse Addison for 17 years, made a valid point when he said: “This is the third trainer Joshua has had in his last three fights. At what point do you start blaming yourself and not the trainer.”
      Heavyweight stars like Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield and Frank Bruno didn’t discard their trainers as soon as they lost.
      Having a competent trainer who can be trusted implicitly inside and outside the ropes is vitally important to a fighter — it instils confidence and eases tension.
      I was lucky enough to spend hours in gyms studying the all-time great coaches.
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      Angelo Dundee, Manny Steward, Lou Duva, George Benton and the incomparable Eddie Futch, who trained no less than five world heavyweight champions, are some of them.
      All emphasised understanding a fighter’s psychology was as vital as working out strategy.
      But the daddy of them all was Ray Arcel who trained 20 world champions including Roberto Duran, Barney Ross and Ezzard Charles — he was the sage people like Futch went to for advice.
      The time I spent with Ray in Montreal before the first Duran-Sugar Ray Leonard fight more than 40 years ago I regarded as priceless.
      Arcel has been dead nearly 30 years but his philosophy lives on.
      He said: “The secret of being a trainer is to know and understand the individual that you are working with.
      “Know when to say something — know when to be quiet. The story of boxing is the story of the trainer because the trainer is the boss — the trainer is the pillar of hope for every fighter.
      “But when you are in that ring by yourself, you’ve got to know what you are doing and what you are facing.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Every British fan will hope Joshua and James hit it off in the short time they have been together and they can forge a partnership that leads AJ to further glory.
      Joshua should take note of Arcel’s most telling remark: “Boxing is brain over brawn. I don’t care how much ability you’ve got as a fighter — if you can’t think you are just another bum in the park.” More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood dropped as Nike athlete after hinting at sponsorship renewal

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      MASON Greenwood has been dropped by sponsor Nike despite no longer facing charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.A spokesperson for the global sports brand simply told The Sun Online: “Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete”.
      Mason Greenwood has been dropped by NikeCredit: Reuters
      A spokesperson for the brand said: ‘Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete’Credit: AFP
      The Manchester United striker was officially dropped by the brand when he was first charged, but Nike’s latest statement appears to confirm his deal will not be renewed.
      It comes amid speculation over Greenwood’s future with the brand after he made a telling change to his Instagram profile.
      The Premier League ace added both his club and Nike back into the bio on his personal page.
      This prompted questions over whether his sponsorship had been resumed.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      However, hopes of a renewed deal seem to have been dashed, given Nike’s definitive statement.
      The 21-year-old faced charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control until they were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service earlier this month.
      The case against him collapsed after a number of “key witnesses withdrew” and “new material” came to light.
      Greenwood has not returned to training at Old Trafford and remains suspended by his club, on £100,000 per week pay, pending an internal investigation.
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      However, a source told The Sun Online that his teammates don’t necessarily want him back.
      They said: “The players are open to him returning to the team but the scrutiny could be massively distracting.
      “The dressing room is the happiest it has been for ages and no one wants to rock the boat.”

      Meanwhile, sources close to Greenwood revealed he may make a radical move to restart his career if he’s given the boot by United.
      He will also continue to be excluded from the FIFA 23 video games, despite no longer facing charges.
      For his part, the striker broke his silence on the charges in a statement on February 2nd.
      He said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.
      “There will be no further comment at this time.”
      Greenwood faced charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control until they were dropped earlier this monthCredit: PA
      He remains suspended by his club, pending an internal investigationCredit: AFP More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Vinicius Jr stages anti-Nike protest with dramatic kit change as Cristiano Ronaldo issue repeats itself

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      VINICIUS JR let his boots do the talking as he ramped up his protests against Nike.The Real Madrid superstar revived memories of tricky moments for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Nike deal – by CHANGING footwear against Valencia.
      Vinicius Junior played in no-logo boots during the goalless first of a 2-0 victory for Real Madrid over ValenciaCredit: Getty
      The Brazilian winger then put on Nike-sponsored footwear as he hit the stylish second goal in Real’s comfortable LaLiga winCredit: Getty
      The Brazil winger played a goalless first half in blacked-out boots.
      Then he dazzled in a white pair emblazoned with his sponsors as he netted a classy clincher in a 2-0 LaLiga win.
      The 22-year-old is battling to end a ten-year arrangement with Nike.
      But there’s no clause allowing for the deal to end early, leaving the player and the brand at loggerheads.
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      So his actions on Thursday appear to be a radical step-up in his fight with the American sportswear giant.
      Real legend Ronaldo, now with Al-Nassr, is Nike’s most famous name.
      But the company courted controversy by cropping out an adidas logo and replacing it with a Nike Swoosh in an ad featuring Ronaldo as a boy.
      And the former Manchester United frontman, 37, also defended son Cristiano Jr against trolls criticising the lad for wearing both Nike and adidas in the same picture.
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      Vinicius Jr has likewise long been associated with Nike, initially when a Flamengo whizkid in 2013.
      But at least his two-pair protest coincided with Real sparking into life.
      Marco Asensio arrowed a glorious top-corner opener and soon after that Vinicius outpaced a defender to slot a clinical second goal.
      Victory leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s men five points behind Barcelona and six above third-placed Real Sociedad. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘This season just gets worse’ – Chelsea’s 2023-24 third kit ‘leaked’ but angry fans slam Nike for ‘not trying’

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      CHELSEA’S third kit for next season has been ‘leaked’ online.But Blues fans are not happy with the design, with one exclaiming: “This season just gets worse!”
      Chelsea’s third kit for next season has been leaked onlineCredit: FOOTYHEADINES.COM
      The pale-green jersey has received a lukewarm reception from fansCredit: FOOTYHEADINES.COM
      Chelsea are struggling to impress under Graham Potter following Todd Boehly’s takeover last year.
      The Londoners have won just one of their last seven league matches and currently sit tenth in the table.
      Hope is not yet lost for the Blues, who are ready to embark on another mega-money splurge in the transfer market.
      But there should be little faith put into their latest kit design for the 2023/24 campaign.
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      Footy Headlines claim to have leaked Chelsea’s third jersey for next season, revealing a pale-green top with little else in the way of uniqueness.
      Indeed, it looks almost the same as Chelsea’s current third kit, which is beige and has made just one appearance in the 4-1 defeat at Brighton.
      A teaser of the top in November received a lukewarm reaction from fans.
      And a full look at the shirt has not gone down well with the Stamford Bridge faithful, who reckon the design sums up Chelsea’s shoddy season.
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      The leaked kit looks remarkably similar to the current third kit, which is beigeCredit: Getty
      One said: “This season just gets worse and worse.”
      Another declared: “The performance on the pitch wasn’t bad enough so they decided to complement it with some a** third kit? Very nice.”
      One moaned: “Why the hell is Nike still our kit sponsor man ffs I can’t with these kits.”
      Another joked: “Bad things happen to good people.”
      One noted: “Nike just stopped trying with Chelsea.”
      Another added: “It’s literally this season’s third kit but with a different colour. I’ve had enough with Nike.” More