Cristiano Ronaldo (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Cristiano Ronaldo has stirred controversy by wearing sneakers from a Nike competitor, breaking his long-standing association with the brand. The sighting has shocked many fans and Nike supporters.
Cristiano Ronaldo has caused a stir after being spotted wearing sneakers that do not feature the Nike logo. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been synonymous with Nike’s football brand for 20 years.
In 2016, Ronaldo signed a lucrative lifetime contract with Nike and has worn over 70 different pairs of their football boots, including custom CR7 versions. It is speculated that he earns around €150 million annually from Nike and has access to a special website to order whatever he desires. Despite these benefits, Ronaldo was seen wearing footwear from one of Nike’s competitors.
Recently, Ronaldo played padel with his friend Miguel Paixão, and a photo of them surfaced online. The Al-Nassr star was clearly visible in Asics sneakers. While there is no known contract between Ronaldo and Asics, his choice of footwear has surprised many fans and Nike loyalists.
The Portuguese superstar is closely followed and has previously been seen wearing Louis Vuitton and Gucci, which are not direct competitors to Nike in the running shoe market. Last year, Ronaldo caused a stir among Nike fans when some speculated he wore Adidas shin guards during a preseason match between Al-Nassr and Celta Vigo.
Two years ago, Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr., faced negative comments on social media after wearing Adidas products. Ronaldo’s mother, Maria Dolores, shared a photo of herself and her grandson with her 2.6 million followers. Cristiano Jr. was seen in a Nike hoodie but also wore Adidas socks and sandals.
Ronaldo responded angrily to the critical comments: "He wears what he wants. Not what you want."
Ronaldo is currently on vacation following his performance at the Euros with Portugal and is expected to join Al-Nassr soon for preseason preparations.