Brazil international and Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has reportedly sued Nike for giving him old boots last season.
While Brazil is celebrating round of 16 triumph over South Korea, the Real Madrid midfielder, who was instrumental in the win against South Korea, is reportedly taking legal action against the renowned sportswear brand – Nike.
The highly-rated midfielder is reportedly trying to get out of his £7million-a-year deal with Nike after the sportswear giant gave him old boots last season.
The 22-year-old took the move against Nike after he reportedly felt unfairly treated by the brand.
Vincius Jr has been in the form of his life for the Selecao so far in the World Cup, and they have been tipped as among the top favorites to win the competition. However, all have not been rosy for the youngster following how Nike reportedly handled his kits last season, particularly his boots, making him extremely uncomfortable.
Brazil media outlet, O Globo, reports that Vinicius has instructed his lawyer to get him out of his deal with the sportswear giant.
Currently, Vinicius jr is under contract with Nike, and it is the company’s materials he has been using in the World Cup.
His contract with Nike is reportedly said to last till 2028, but now he has made drastic moves to terminate the agreement, which both parties signed before the World Cup.
Vinicius jr wore an old version of Nike Mercurial boots when Real Madrid won the Champions League title in 2021.
Apart from his dissatisfaction with the quality of Nike’s material, the 22-year-old thinks Nike should equally give him the recognition he deserves as one of their biggest partners.
The face-off between Vinicius jr and Nike is said to have started before the World Cup and this has led to the youngster’s boycott of Nike’s event.
Last season, Vinicius jr was among the top players in Real Madrid who made the Los Blancos 14th UEFA Champions League dream happen.
He was instrumental in the successes recorded by the team both in La Liga and Europe. Vinicius scored the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League final and won the La Liga, Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with the team.
Apart from the deal with Nike, Vinicius jr reportedly has deals with EA Sports, Vivo, Casas Bahia, BetNacional, OneFootball, JetEngage, Golden Concept and Royaltiz and Pepsi.
Other top brands such as Adidas, Reebok, and Puma will open their arms to have a deal with the former Flamengo star if he eventually end up severing ties with Nike.
Meanwhile, he is currently focused on Brazil’s World Cup. He scored the opening goal, which saw the Selecao cruised past South Korea to set up a quarterfinal clash against Croatia.
