Real Madrid News
Real Madrid megastar likely to end contract with Nike as Adidas and Under Armour seek agreement
Kylian Mbappe is one of the most marketable footballers of the current generation and has always had a marquee contract with Nike.
And while big footballers switching sponsorships midway through their careers is relatively rare, Mbappe may soon enter the list.
That is because his contract with Nike is expiring soon, and according to Le Parisien, it is unlikely that the Frenchman will renew his deal with the American apparel brand.
A great opportunity for Adidas?
The report adds that the likelihood of Mbappe renewing his deal with Nike is effectively nil and that a change of sponsorship may already be underway.
Adidas and Under Armour are among the companies seeking a deal with the French international. They are likely to pounce on any opportunity to sign a deal with one of the world’s most marketable players.
This comes despite the fact that Nike has been sponsoring Mbappe since he was eight years old, and had signed a huge contract with the Frenchman in 2019.
A potential partnership with Adidas would make a world of sense, as his club, Real Madrid are also kitted by the same company, although it is not unnatural for big players such as him to have different sponsors compared to their clubs.
That being said, nothing is still concrete and details are still awaited, though it appears likely that Mbappe will indeed leave Nike when the contract expires in the summer of 2026.
Apart from Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. is the next big Real Madrid star to be sponsored by Nike. Unlike Mbappe, the Brazilian is unlikely to move away from Nike anytime soon.
However, his compatriot Rodrygo has recently switched from Nike to Adidas last year, ending a decade-long partnership with the American brand.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
