Nike ends Haaland boot race with a 10 year deal
Thu, Apr 13.23
Erling Haaland’s recent Nike contract has become one of the most expensive sponsorship deals in football history. Worth over £20 million ($32 million AUD), the Norwegian has no doubt become the most chased after player by all the major brands since hitting the world stage with Borussia Dortmund.
Now that he has finally put pen to paper with the Swoosh for the next 10 years, we take a look back at his recent boot history, especially in the past year where he was not officially signed to a brand.
Nike, adidas or Puma?
Prior to the Nike announcement, Haaland kept the world guessing on who he would eventually sign a boot sponsorship with. We all knew how much he loved his Air Jordans off the pitch, but would the Norwegian dare to wear any other brand on pitch?
November 2021 - Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Motivation Pack
Shortly after featuring in Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 4 adverts, Haaland shocked the world by switching back to an old pair of Mercurials that launched three months prior, and eventually played in the yellow pair of boots for the remainder of the season at Dortmund before joining Premier League giants Manchester City.
June 2022 - Puma Ultra 1.3 Manchester City Pack
Whilst the announcement of Haaland signing for Manchester City to follow his father’s footsteps caught the eye of the world, it was hard not to notice the footwear of choice he had chosen when posing for the cameras.
Although never pictured in a match, insider knowledge revealed that he did trial a few modified boots from Puma, even during his time at RB Salzburg. Former Puma CEO Bjorn Gulden, who was also a board member of Borussia Dortmund and a fellow Norwegian having close ties to Alfie Haaland, was spotted flying out to meet Haaland in Manchester for negotiations. However, Puma seemed to have caught the least of Haaland’s interest.
July 2022 - adidas Speedportal.1 Game Data Pack
Shortly after being spotted in Herzogenaurach for tours of both adidas and Puma Headquarters, it was time that Haaland gave the three stripes a go. Spotted in the adidas X Speedportal as he played his first matches for Manchester City in pre-season, he certainly kept us all guessing even further.
However, his time wearing boots from adidas did not last long, and by the time the 2022-23 Premier League season kicked off, he was rocking the swoosh once again, both on and off the pitch. But still not officially announcing a deal.
October 2022 - Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor Elite Lucent Pack
Upon a few more matches and goals in the worn out yellow Mercurial Vapor 14’s, Haaland made the switch to the updated pair featuring new Air Zoom technology. By this time the world was already sensing the Nike deal to be closed as he was also testing whiteout Phantom GX prototypes during training.
The new face of Nike Football
Weeks before the final announcement, the US sportswear giants took full advantage of Haaland’s love for sneakers and fashion by gifting him pieces from their Tiffany & Co collection. To think Haaland was going to sign for any other brand at this stage was pure nonsense. The 22 year old’s love for his Nike boots, sneakers and fashion pieces made it obvious that this would be the perfect choice.
“A new era of #9.”
Quoted by Nike Football on April 1, 2023 when announcing the official deal on social media and in London’s Nike town. The goal scoring machine became the key player for the Phantom GX line, joining the likes of Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Gavi.
Tech-wise, the new Phantom GX boots are made for more accuracy and ball control with the main feature being the Gripknit upper along with the asymmetric lacing system. Agree with us or not, but we believe this makes the perfect fit for Haaland. A modern day striker firing shots at goal requires the cleanest boot to ball contact.
Want to shop Haaland’s latest boot of choice? Check out our collection of Nike Phantom Football Boots online or in-store.
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