Nike Reportedly Regrets Losing Barcelona Star Lamine Yamal to Adidas

Nike reportedly sees Lamine Yamal’s move to Adidas as a major missed opportunity. The Barcelona winger signed with Adidas in February 2024 and became a key face of the relaunched F50 boot range. Economist Xavier Sala i Martín said Nike did not recognise Yamal’s commercial potential early enough. The company allegedly placed the teenager behind more established sponsored players, including Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. The situation has drawn comparisons with Lionel Messi’s move from Nike to Adidas in 2006. Yamal is still early in his career, but his rapid rise has made him one of football’s most recognisable young talents.

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