In the world of football, small details often have big implications. The case of João Félix is a clear example. During Atlético de Madrid's pre-season, an image of the Portuguese player has unleashed a flood of speculation.
Not about his future at the red-and-white club, but in relation to his personal sponsors. Until now, João Félix was one of the visible faces of Adidas. However, recent snapshots of his training sessions revealed something surprising: the striker was caught wearing Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 boots.
João Félix may change sponsors
The video has sparked endless theories among fans and experts. João Félix, one of the most promising talents in football, has been an Adidas ambassador since his breakthrough at Benfica.
His relationship with the German brand seemed solid. João Félix wore their products both in matches and in training. However, the appearance of Nike boots suggests that he could be looking for new horizons in terms of sponsorship.
Nike, meanwhile, has recently terminated contracts with several players. This might suggest that the firm is looking for new ambassadors. However, Nike has also been adjusting its sponsorship strategy.
Now, the company is focusing on a smaller number of global stars. So it is unclear whether Nike would be willing to sign João Félix at this time.
Will João Félix sign a deal with Nike?
The image of João Félix in Nike boots may just be a test. Elite players often try out different products during pre-season before committing to a new sponsor. However, the rapid circulation of these photographs and the stir they have generated suggest there could be more to the story.
If Felix were to decide to change sponsors, he would join a select group of players who have opted for Nike. The brand has been associated with some of the biggest stars in football, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. For João Félix, this change could be an opportunity to strengthen his image on a global level, considering that Nike has a large presence and reach around the world.