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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is months away from kicking off and the soccer community is now keeping a close eye on Kylian Mbappe for reasons beyond his on-field play for France.
For years, the Real Madrid superstar has been one of the most-recognized names attached to Nike’s brand. However, the soccer star enters the World Cup without a major brand deal after surprisingly leaving the iconic American company.
MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot odds
The bombshell decision comes just three months before France ams to win another FIFA World Cup. Mbappe’s massive success on the pitch makes him highly desirable for any brand looking to secure the 2018 World Cup winner.
This major development eaves the door open for adidas and Under Armour to strike when Mbappe’s contract ends. The French goalscorer signed a monster contract with Nike back in 2019, but Le Parisien reveals that he won’t continue with the iconic brand.
For many years, Nike and adidas have held an ongoing war in the soccer cleats market. Cristiano Ronaldo has been the longtime face of the Nike soccer division, while Lionel Messi leads the way with adidas.
However, younger stars like Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal are now guiding the next generation heading into an important World Cup. This year’s tournament in America marks the first time where 48 countries will compete.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo, fiancee Georgina Rodriguez flex insane $20M luxury items
France boasts one of the best squads heading into the World Cup alongside other top national teams like Argentina, England and Portugal. Messi and Argentina will go for back-to-back titles after securing the 2022 trophy in Qatar.
France forward Kylian Mbappe smiles with forward Hugo Ekitike after Ekitike’s goal against Brazil. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Nike’s first contract with Mbappe actually developed when the former PSG star was only eight years old. Meanwhile, the 19-year relationship is a huge blow to Nike just months before the world’s biggest soccer competition begins.
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For years, the Real Madrid superstar has been one of the most-recognized names attached to Nike’s brand. However, the soccer star enters the World Cup without a major brand deal after surprisingly leaving the iconic American company.
MORE: 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot odds
The bombshell decision comes just three months before France ams to win another FIFA World Cup. Mbappe’s massive success on the pitch makes him highly desirable for any brand looking to secure the 2018 World Cup winner.
é – Adidas & Under Armour Join Race for Signature: https://t.co/bL2IWalNzN
— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) March 26, 2026
This major development eaves the door open for adidas and Under Armour to strike when Mbappe’s contract ends. The French goalscorer signed a monster contract with Nike back in 2019, but Le Parisien reveals that he won’t continue with the iconic brand.
For many years, Nike and adidas have held an ongoing war in the soccer cleats market. Cristiano Ronaldo has been the longtime face of the Nike soccer division, while Lionel Messi leads the way with adidas.
However, younger stars like Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal are now guiding the next generation heading into an important World Cup. This year’s tournament in America marks the first time where 48 countries will compete.
MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo, fiancee Georgina Rodriguez flex insane $20M luxury items
France boasts one of the best squads heading into the World Cup alongside other top national teams like Argentina, England and Portugal. Messi and Argentina will go for back-to-back titles after securing the 2022 trophy in Qatar.
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France forward Kylian Mbappe smiles with forward Hugo Ekitike after Ekitike’s goal against Brazil. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Nike’s first contract with Mbappe actually developed when the former PSG star was only eight years old. Meanwhile, the 19-year relationship is a huge blow to Nike just months before the world’s biggest soccer competition begins.
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MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Sweet 16 TV schedule, game times & dates for NCAA Tournament
MLB: Predicting the winner of every MLB game on Friday, March 27, 2026
NFL: NFL pushes back Tom Brady’s sensational return to football
SPORTS MEDIA: Sweet 16 announcer pairings & TV schedule for 2026 NCAA Tournament
ENTERTAINMENT: 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards winners, Taylor Swift leads full list
VIRAL: Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tower over 5-foot-3 Olympic champ Alysa Liu
Continue reading...
