Aitana Bonmati’s Nike-to-Adidas switch revealed via social media photo explained | Relief

A few years ago, Aitana Bonmati – or any other Spanish footballer – would have gone unnoticed if he had changed his sporting brand to another. However, since women’s football has become mainstream, the situation has changed. This morning, at around nine o’clock, Aitana Bonmati and Adidas Football announced in a post on Instagram what was beginning to become an open secret (she had already worn Adidas shoes in her last two games for the national team): The world champion is the new bet of the German multinational. “Let the show begin ✨ welcome to the /// family, Aitana,” the text read.

Dressed in a black and white dress from the brand, with some Adidas on the back and holding the laces of some Adidas, the two presented their union to the public. This image was followed by two others that, in the jargon of the world, revealed more details of their new weapon. A bit of Predator 24 Elite, brown, pink and bright green. A combination of tones reminiscent of the Golden Ball.

The best player in the world at the moment will wear Adidas, and Nike is already history. Although the right-hander has been testing them for some time, she has not yet made a firm decision. Moreover, given his fame, there were more brands interested in leaving their mark on him. However, Aitana Bonmati ultimately opted for the three-cushion brand.

Chronology

On March 17, Barça faced Costa Adeje. Accustomed to their unusual normality, the Blaugrana beat their opponents 7-0. Aitana came on in the 62nd minute, replacing Caroline Graham Hansen. The news was his boots. They were white and… Adidas.

X – the old Twitter – raised the alarm, as it has done many times in the peculiar atmosphere of women’s football. Several users focused on one detail: Aitana Bonmati, Nike’s image until December 31, was wearing a white Adidas (test model). Specifically, the Predator Elite. The news was made all the more eye-catching by the current Ballon d’Or winner arriving at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in streetwear… from Nike. He had a few of the North American giant’s boots in his boots before the game.

As Relevo has learned, at that time Aitana was exercising the famous right of first refusal. The woman from Sant Pere de Ribes was considering three options: continue working with Nike (which has carried her since 2021), return to Adidas (which sponsored her between 2018 and 2020) or sign a contract with another brand or even remain free, without an exclusive agreement and with a specific collaboration.

His contract with Nike expired on December 31, giving way to six months of “experimentation.” where Aitana could try on sports equipment from any brand. During this time, Nike had the opportunity to implement the offer of the brand in question or let Aitana Bonmati go, which is what eventually happened.

It should be noted that Adidas’ situation in women’s football has nothing in common with what Aitana experienced in her time, from 2018 to 2020. After her departure, the German company created a women’s football department and completely immersed itself in a small world. Olga Carmona, Mapi Leon and Jenny Hermoso are in its portfolio. The last World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was the best example. Adidas flooded the main arenas of the tournament with the official ball and T-shirts of the national team. In addition to exclusive stores designed to please fans.

Some time ago, Adidas decided to give impetus to the development of women’s football within its ecosystem. As Relevo learned, special personnel were assigned to sign contracts with players and work with them. The goal is to ensure that they are not short of anything and that they are responsible for negotiating and bringing in new brand faces.

Nike, Skechers…

Opposite Alexia Putellas. Another Barça star and two-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to work for Nike, one of his greatest successes. Like Salma Paralluelo, the latest major move in the sector, the world champion has taken the opposite path to Aitana Bonmati, abandoning Adidas and donning the jersey of the American giant.

Another who could change course would be Misa Rodriguez, since, as these media reported, Skechers went all in on her. Moreover, as was already the case with Aitana, the Real Madrid and national team goalkeeper has already tried on some of the brand’s boots during the white club’s training sessions. The Canarian currently wears Adidas.