Real Madrid are one of the most prestigious and highly esteemed clubs on the planet. Their success on the pitch and the way they present themselves off the pitch speaks volumes about their aura in the footballing world.
However, it seems that the Spanish giants have found themselves in a brand war after midfielder Eduardo Camavinga uploaded a photo on Instagram.
On Wednesday night, Real Madrid welcomed defending Serie A champions Napoli for the reverse fixture of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The 14-time champions wrapped up a 4-2 victory, with Camavinga and the other injured players of the team watching from the sidelines.
Following the game, the players were in a jovial mood. Camavinga uploaded a collage on Instagram where all the players put on glasses. Camavinga was seen wearing glasses with green lenses during the Champions League game between Real Madrid and Napoli.
Camavinga asked to remove the collage from his Instagram
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, the Frenchman was asked to take down the post from Instagram due to a new battle in the brand war between Nike and Adidas.
Camavinga had put on glasses from Nike, while several other footballers from the collage such as Jude Bellingham, Joselu, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Eder Militao wore Adidas glasses.
Not only that, but Real Madrid’s kit sponsors are Adidas, too. Los Blancos receive €120 million annually. The report by Relevo further mentions that players are contractually bound to avoid promoting rival brands – in this case, Nike.
🚨 Camavinga was forced to delete the viral image of all the players wearing his sunglasses because of the "war" between Nike and Adidas. Camavinga's glasses are from Nike, with which he is associated. However, numerous Real Madrid players are sponsored by Adidas.
New Balance approach Barcelona to replace Nike as their kit sponsors
In other news, Catalonia-based publication Sport has learnt that sports manufacturer New Balance have approached La Liga giants Barcelona to become their primary kit sponsor.
Nike has been Barcelona’s partner since 1998 and have a contract with them until 2028. Barca currently earns €100 million from this collaboration, with the inclusion of bonuses shooting the revenue up to as high as €155 million.
The report adds that the Blaugrana are not satisfied with this partnership, believing that the amount Nike is paying the club is lower than what they deserve.
Even though Barca president Joan Laporta and the other higher-ups at the club are contemplating their future with Nike, they are aware of the fact that they are in no position to afford a contract termination with the American brand before the current tenure expires.
Even if the economic aspects are not considered, Barca are reported to have been dissatisfied with Nike’s services. However, those close to Nike suggest that it’s the Catalan giants who have been unprofessional, accusing them of delaying the decision-making processes as well as failing to meet mutual deadlines.
It’s clear as day that the aforementioned reasons have caused some friction between Nike and Barcelona, although it is unlikely that the two part ways before 2028.
