Christian Pulisic and Bukaya Saka of Chelsea and Arsenal pale in comparison to Erling Haaland, who received a big contract with clothing giant Nike.
Erling Haaland has signed a significant sponsorship agreement with Nike, putting him in the same league as international superstars Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, Leah Williamson, and Alexia Putellas. His previous Nike contract expired in January 2022, and Puma and Adidas were eager to secure his services.
The 22-year-old, who has scored a record number of goals in the Premier League this season, has become a global sensation since joining Borussia Dortmund and now has a commercial contract to match. The U.S.-based corporation asserts that his “extraordinary ascension through European club football” has contributed to “his imprint on the game’s future.”
In England, he is surrounded by some of the best young players in the world, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who has his own hoт new boot sponsor. The alumnus of Hale End Academy is one of the few who can match Haaland’s performance this season.
Saka’s first signature boot with New Balance was introduced earlier this year, as a result of his outstanding performances for club and country. The Furon v7s are the traditional Arsenal red color and include the words “unity” and “progress” on the heel. Similar to the player who wears them, the footwear stands out on the field.
That is not the only lucrative commercial agreement between Nike, the Premier League, or London’s football clubs. Haaland has yet to reach the level of NBA icon LeBron James. The star of the Los Angeles Lakers has a remarkable lifetime deal with the organization.
James’ initial contract with Nike was worth $90m when he was 18 years old, 20 years ago. In the year preceding his signing of the lifetime contract in 2015, sales of his world-famous shoes generated more than $340m.
Forbes values him at approximately $850m based on his career earnings of over $1b before taxes. According to reports, the lifetime contract pays him $32m yearly. He has already invested in Liverpool. Simply put, football players have a long way to go to even approach this level.
Christian Pulisic, a star for Chelsea and the United States national team, turned down a deal with Nike in 2021 to sign with Puma, another rival for Haaland’s image. Both the player and the corporation pledged to support charity activities off the field when the American signed with Puma.
He stated to the Daily Mail, “I simply want every child and girl of every color and ability to be able to play and enjoy the game.” It appears to be a straightforward task to assist others. Everyone who enjoys soccer should be able to participate.
“Sports is a platform, and if something is truly relevant, you can help open people’s eyes and effect change. What I love most about Puma is that they share my enthusiasm for supporting youth soccer in the United States and helping the next generation pursue their ambitions.
In many respects, joining Puma was a no-brainer for me, he added. Their technological breakthroughs are centered on speed, which is one of my most potent weapons.
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of Pele, Maradona, and Johan Cruyff, three of the greatest players in the history of the game.”
Puma’s Global Sports Marketing Director, Johan Adamsson, stated at the time, “Christian’s journey has been fantastic and has paved the way for so many young American players who aspire to play in Europe for the world’s best clubs.
“Not only have we signed a wonderful player, but also a fantastic guy off the field who wants to continue to build soccer in the United States, a mission Puma has pledged to support,” the statement reads.
Pulisic continues to wear their boots and promoted the newest pair on Thursday by posing with the mint green style in a social media post.