Why Neymar Left Nike?
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, or simply known as Neymar, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Paris Saint Germain. He is one of the most expensive Footballers. He was twice named the South American Footballer of the Year in the years 2011 and 2012. There’s no doubt that Nike has played an important role in Neymar’s career. The transition from Santos to Barcelona and from Barça to PSG made him a star football player in such a short period.
Neymar had 15 years of the sponsorship agreement with Nike. But he left the deal with Nike two years before the end of the reported $163 million deal and decided to join Puma. The contract between Neymar and Nike was started in 2005.
Let’s get into the reason why Neymar left Nike?
The first reason that is said why Neymar left Nike was that an employee put an allegation of sexual assault and when the company launched an investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted an employee. Neymar’s spokesperson denied the allegations and stated the reason for the split between Nike and Neymar was due to commercial reasons. Nike also issued a statement claiming the investigation was “inconclusive” and that the employee initially asked the company to keep the matter confidential.
Neymar also defended himself against the allegations in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far.
The second reason was that Nike and Neymar both were failing to agree on the financial terms of a renewal. They were not able to agree on how much he would be paid for renewal.
What did Neymar say after joining Puma?
After joining Puma Neymar shared a hand-written note on Twitter. Message written on the note is:
“At the beginning of each new season, I take some time to think about my career and the choices I have made.
I think about the dreams I had when I started this sport and the path that lies ahead.
This will be a different season, a special season.
For that reason, as I have done in the past, I decided to write this text.
I am about to live a unique experience, a new challenge.
I consider myself privileged to have had a life filled with unique experiences and wonderful challenges.
I grew up watching videos of great football legends such as Pele, Cruyff, Matthaus, Eusebio, and Maradona …
These were the kings of the pitch, the kings of my sport.
And they had something in common — a love of the game, a drive to be the best version of themselves, and a spirit that unites all.
It’s not always about being the best or the greatest but instead, to inspire future generations.
That is exactly what I have dreamt of for myself, to give all of me to football because football has given me everything I have.
I want to do it my way, using my gift.
New challenges, new responsibilities, I understand that.
I wish to bring back the legacy that those athletes created on the pitch.
I was to help bring back memories from each of their football histories and the magic they gave us in their classic leather boots — and through boots like those, leave behind my legacy.
They each played in PUMA, and each of them created their magic in the KING.
And so now, as I begin this new season, I want the KING to reign on the pitch and inspire generations as it has inspired me and others.
To be in this project, associating myself with those kings of football, through KING, is a dream.
For these reasons, from today onward, I have the honor to unite with the brand that helped the biggest legends of football become what they are.
Every time I lace my boots, my KING boots, I will do anything to achieve all of my dreams to honor my name and that of all those great ones who wore the KING before me.
This will be my PUMA history.
The KING is back!”
Bjørn Gulden, CEO of PUMA, “said the global sportswear company is excited to work with Neymar Jr”.
Conclusion
The journey of Neymar Jr. with Nike was life-changing for Neymar. There’s no specific reason why Neymar left Nike. Everything that we discussed is only based on the information present on the internet.
