Why Vinicius Jr is taking Nike to court

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: theathletic.com/tifofootball
📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: linktr.ee/tifobook
The World Cup finals in Qatar and the Champions League Final in France, two of the biggest stages in world football. And Vinicius Junior was there, wearing an old pair of Nike boots.
Why would a star of the game, and a Nike athlete be wearing an old pair of Nike boots? What is the conflict? Why is it going to court?
Phil Buckingham and Seb Stafford-Bloor explain. Marco Bevilacqua illustrates.
Follow Tifo Football:
Twitter: / tifofootball_
Facebook: / tifofootball
Instagram: / tifofootball_
Listen to the Tifo Football podcast:
The Athletic UK: bit.ly/TifoPodChannel
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/TifoFootPod
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhq...
Watch more Tifo Football: Tactics Explained: • Tactics Explained | Ti...
Finances & Laws: • Finances & Laws | Tifo...
Tifo Football Podcast: • Tifo Football Podcast
Most Recent Videos: • Most Recent Videos | T...
1 Popular Videos: • Popular Videos | Tifo ...
About Tifo Football:
Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game.
We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple.
We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more.
Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight.
Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [e-mail].
Music sourced from epidemicsound.com
Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com
#Nike #VinicusJnr #realmadrid

[@dseabee]

For a second I thought Vinny was switching to tennis

[@malusindabankulu]

Lol me too, the whole reason I clicked was that excactly

[@RandalfElVikingo]

Ficticius

[@Bork_In_Volcanic]

Good one, I immediately remembered Garreth Bale and his love of Golf

[@princesssolace4337]

Tennis court , badminton court

[@Wizo_0]

Meeeeee 😂

[@lampamarc365]

As a Brazilian, I can say that the Brazilian athlete that I see most in commercials here in Brazil is Vini , he’s surpassed Neymar in that sense , but I never understood why there aren’t Vini commercial for Nike in Brazil , I’m not even questioning the global appeal, I’m questioning why not use him for Nike commercials in Brazil ?!

[@MayorSom]

It doesn’t help that Neymar is Puma

[@Gadottinho]

I've never seen a single commercial with him, honestly

[@haimainjauo242]

Man worked with Nike since he was 13. I guess it's family matters at this point. I don't see what's so interesting about this whole story.

[@lampamarc365]

@@Gadottinho in Brazil he’s on a lot of commercials for Pepsi , vivo , Casas Bahia , BetNacional, Zé Delivery, etc. i totally understand that Vini might not be the best athlete for a global commercial, but I don’t understand why Nike doesn’t use Vini here in Brazil , especially when I see his face all the time in Tv commercials in Brazil, doesn’t make sense

[@lampamarc365]

@@MayorSom it’s not even about Neymar being a puma athlete , it’s about image , Vini’s image in Brazil is better than Neymar’s at this point , so brands rather work with Vini ,( and other young brazilian players ) , and Neymar’s being involved in a few scandals through the years , so that’s why

[@ANGELOFDARKification]

Is it me or has Nike been a lot more frugal with player promotion over the past few years? Outside of Mbappe, a lot of players don't seem to marketed like they used to be over the last 20 years (Henry, R9, Figo, Ronaldinho etc.)

[@jonathanvillalba3214]

They use to have commercials that feature multiple players. Nowadays I don't see those commercials anymore (in the US that is). Nikes "take it to the next level" is probably the last commercial that I have seen using that format. Nowadays it seems they are pushing more gizmos

[@fredymendez855]

maybe not in television since nobody really watches cable television anymore but definitely instagram and twitter.

[@somerandomguy3037]

I definitely prefer the Adidas commercials as I like to see multiple star players in the same commercial. It’s a lot more fun then just saying one or two player.

[@seb1554]

Yeah definitely and I can see why. I think before social media, tv commercials were a lot more important. The cold truth for Vinicius Jr is that nobody is going to go out and buy Nike shoes just because he wore them.

[@ahslan7304]

They stopped because they already dominate the market. No need to keep spending 10x what their competition spends

[@_official_royalty9646]

The contract Haaland will negotiate after the season with either of the big three brands is gonna be crazy😂

[@samkelorashuza5949]

It would really help him even more to win a Champions league

[@josiahmarsh9453]

@@samkelorashuza5949 As a neutral, you have to admit that this Man City team is just different from last years'. Haaland is just a machine who performs as well against top teams as he did against Bundesliga minnows.

[@kibetkeiyo]

@@josiahmarsh9453 can’t score against 10th place Liverpool

[@samkelorashuza5949]

@@josiahmarsh9453 top teams? Mid table teams or top teams?

[@josiahmarsh9453]

@@samkelorashuza5949 the dude has 28 goals in 23 games in the champions' league, yeah he does good against top teams 😂

[@Sana_H]

Please never stop making videos Tifo, i love this channel so much.

[@aly2721]

Same

[@luqman1707]

True bro. Very helpful

[@djavidu]

the support the channel with money, he doesn't eat for free ....

[@d1want34]

One of the greatest Nike advert I've seen in my life is, "66 was a great year for English Football, Eric was born..."

[@LucasSantos-zq1tc]

Wow 🤦🏻

[@Skrivv]

I was today’s years old when i learned Haaland still doesn’t have a contract with a sports brand.

[@alanmedina8594]

For me, the most important issue is not Mbappe or Cristiano. Nike put Rodrygo as the only model of the brazilian shirt, regardless he is clearly below Vinicius in both club and Brazil team.

[@ophirberrin1750]

if Vinicius Jr. got his own shoe, a crazy name for it would be the Vini Vidivici

[@ophirberrin]

crazy

[@herrheroin606]

Nike have gone for an almost no sponsorship policy when it comes to athletes thinking that their brand will do just as well even without on pitch promotion but right now they are losing the battle with adidas and even puma, without a doubt

[@anonymoustv5770]

Sales numbers dont reflect this though

[@Mr5foxy]

Nike have realised they don't need to spend lots of athletes to promote their brand, their shoes/clothes don't reflect what boots a footballer is wearing... You can't got anywhere without seeing a pair of AF1's, Air Max 97's, Dunk Lows or Jordans (Still under the Nuke umbrella). Then you have Nike hoodies, t-shirts, shorts etc still selling in crazy numbers, athletes don't sell trainers they sell sports equipment/boots, which Nike doesn't need at this moment in time.

[@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw]

Good, nike has the poorest product quality of the big three

[@haimainjauo242]

But do we really care? Honestly this whole story is personal business between the player and their employer/sponser/whatever selling shoes and shirts.

[@seb1554]

Your post is just completely wrong. Your stating your emotional opinion like it’s a fact, Nikes sales are doing fine 🤯.

[@bahriboy]

It seems he has solid grounds. I'm shocked that they don't use him in their global campaigns. For context 27m is twice the number Harry Kane has, so he is a massive star.

[@andrew_l1900]

To break the contract he would have to prove they breached terms of the contract, just simply saying I think I should be in more advertising campaigns and want to be more prominent doesn’t hold any weight legally.

[@de132]

@@andrew_l1900 But if Nike stated that there are specific conditions that need to be met, and he met them but Nike didn't... We don't have the contract but I'd be surprised if he tries to force baseless legal proceedings

[@bahriboy]

@@andrew_l1900 sorry I meant he has solid grounds to feel the way he feels. It's quite ridiculous treatment.

[@roidjones]

How can you make this claim? have you seen the contract? lol

[@bahriboy]

@@roidjones common sense fool

[@soccerkicksofficial]

Love these types of videos, please keep them coming Tifo!

[@PythagorasinBoots]

Ravishingly resplendent video as always guys.

[@mohammedk.7887]

He just wants to terminate his contract with Nike, not suing them or anything

[@de132]

He'll need to take them to court to end the agreement early if Nike doesn't want to

[@Thatsfootball101]

Because he has no legal grounds to actually sue. You’re not using me as I want you to use me is not a legal argument. Lol

[@stevencooke6451]

@@Thatsfootball101 Unless they had promised to make him a significant element of their marketing program. I would suspect that perhaps they implied that. However, it would be hard to prove that in court.

[@Thatsfootball101]

@@stevencooke6451 Verbal promises don’t mean anything. I highly doubt utilization is in the written contract. Even if you have a audio recording of the agreement it doesn’t hold up in court. Only what’s in black and white on paper. I completely understand his frustration but these are things that need to be ironed out prior to signing. I also understand at his age and where he came from that he accepted the 7m without hesitation. Most of us commenting would do exactly the same. Lol

[@McBigP13]

Couldn't he black out his Nike boots to force Nike or himself to terminate the contract even? In 2016, a lot of players were doing that ?

[@joninawhitecoat]

Instead of going to court; has he considered doing an interview with Piers Morgan?

[@demonakoddak3185]

A penalty for that

[@sarnify2034]

Penalty for Argentina/j

[@magicalabood3292]

@@sarnify2034 irrelevant

[@j0sh.s04]

@@magicalabood3292 like you tbh

[@nizarbaissa9858]

Puma offered 6times more what he makes with Nike now

[@JJJackson777]

fair play to the new animator/illustrator

[@Wladislav]

These athlete shoe sponsorship deals are always interesting. Watching the brands scramble for the next big thing.

[@HC-kn2sq]

Hadn’t thought of it but you don’t ever really see him on any ads at least in the UK. Games aside

[@Young_LJ]

We love Neymar here in Brazil but Vini is becoming bigger rn

[@exgardevior]

I am still not sure after watching the video. Is he taking them to court simply because he is unhappy? Has Nike failed any obligations they had towards him? If not, this is just petty!

[@ArberArapi]

its not petty, nike has forever being disrespectfull to many athletes,the biggest example stephen curry himself, more and more athletes leave nike because of that its their fault that they lose their athletes

[@ihatethewind]

It’s exactly petty. Waaaaah I’m a baby waaaaaaaah

[@user-vs1br5uu2l]

They're still giving him 7m a year?

[@IRacarR]

@@ihatethewind 😂😂😂😂😂

[@titan8084]

Not petty. He just wants to have more importance. It’s like this for football players and clubs. If they are not the star player or prominent player, they can choose to go to another club. Not sure why it would be petty.

[@brysonfrank6476]

I am surprised you guys have never did a video on Hummel.

[@philangezwizondo2719]

I wish they can part ways with Nike and it will be a good thing for me to see him wearing adidas football boots!!

[@Loosetweezers]

Does this really affect your life?

[@georgebarrell4510]

Out of curiosity, why would it be good for you?

[@xfg007]

@@georgebarrell4510Maybe he invested in Adidas stock

[@shakiMiki]

Why on earth would you care what boots he wears? How bizarre. Do you own massive shares?

[@josua3]

@@shakiMiki he probably likes messi and therefore prefers adidas. something like that if not the huge amounts of shares he own

[@Chrisxcaste]

Would be cool to see him in pumas actually, gives puma a lot more of a presence since they’ve been growing more and more with their current lineup of boots and how they just take former Nike players

[@parshowjyotiphukan8445]

Puma are said to be frontrunners for his signature.

[@user-xm9sb5zv8t]

Maradona ✨PUMA 10✨ my personal best n still keep some collection of its since 40+ yrs ago n one of its with the legend personal signature himself during his heyday with Napoli n still have a classic foto with duo him. I was 16 yrs old.. nov 1986

[@sodeznay]

Don't go with Puma, go with Adidas instead. Once Messi step over probably within 2-3 years, Adidas would need new poster boy. Their current big 5 not counting Messi are Son n Salah (Old), G. Jesus n Gnabry (Vini more popular than them already) n Bellingham. Vini would easily be Adidas star right away while in Puma he'd basically wait Neymar 4-5 years more before taking over him. Neymar would worn out eventually, most likely faster than CR7, but his off the field present would remain huge obstacle for Vini if he sides with Puma.

[@TJTOPBOY]

Benzema isn’t part of that big 5?

[@Ruiz_Danny]

Bellingham??

[@goat9295]

2:51 That's a nearly unfortunate name...

[@proviewplayr6468]

Crazy how vini has evolved. From when he use to play and u could just see the raw talent no composure not ,good finishing. Now he's 1 of the best in the world 👏🏿 👏🏿 chelsea should buy him as to replace what hazard use to give us

[@george4281]

He has no reason to downgrade

[@liammurty]

Something that wasn’t mentioned is that Brazil are synonymous with Nike. Their kit & always their biggest stars - from Ronaldo to Neymar. ‘THE’ big Brazil star has always worn Nike, outwith Kaka. I might be totally wrong, but from memory, Brazilian Superstars have been Nike? I know (as you said, that Neymar has had a fall out with Nike, but at his absolute peak & before, he was Nike)

[@Jord4nRichards]

I was hoping for an explanation of the term in his contract which makes this possible?

[@skreepyy]

These players are treating brands like clubs lmao

[@blast473]

Money money money

[@naufalpahlevi8976]

@@blast473 for Vini it's not about the money, but his own image recognition.. Money is your problem, not Vini.. Image recognition more valuable than a mere 7 Mill per year that Madrid can already afford for him..

[@ballskin5984]

@@naufalpahlevi8976which would ultimately make him more money

[@willgraham4279]

Do a video on why teams are so good after the manager gets sacked

[@ashishsaimon6511]

Hahahahaha

[@WinterAlekz]

7m€ annually is chump change for vini at this point

[@BlackAdammovie]

Can make video on psg current run

[@jasonkashefi8241]

Haha you know somewhere up the Nike marketing team tree someone just said “yea the dancings gotta go”

[@RandalfElVikingo]

Hahaha if this was a badass era like the 90's they would do a whole commercial with him dancing around the world with beautiful girls and kids.

[@lampamarc365]

I agree Nike doesn’t use Vini as much as they should , even in Nike commercials in Brazil , he’s not used enough

[@__M7MD]

i don't know why anyone cares about commercials just watch the games

[@SanchoWes]

I always wondered why he doesn’t change cleats

[@Gomes719]

Vinicius deserves all the respect he deserved

[@broncojones3146]

The thumbnail looks like he is riding a unicycle xD

[@nugraadnanta6832]

I have assumptions that the main problem from Nike toward Vini is in the image that he brings (not in terms of physical or race) but the image that Vini brings…it almost too different between the image that Mbappe brings and that of what Vini brings, Vini brings more of a Samba, Wild, Notorious and Street Football vibes which to me fits other brands more especially Puma….Mbappe on the other hand brings the imagery of Lavish, Pretentious and High Ego image like Cristiano the one to make “Nike’s Main Athlete”….that’s what I see between this dispute, it’s better for both to part ways

[@user-fv7jb1bd3s]

Nike is all about samba - 'joga bonito' type football though. KZbin 'nike joga bonito' and see what you think - they used to be some of the coolest adverts

[@Lecierge1]

I agree it’s the image. Doesn’t sound right or fair, but it’s how many businesses are ran unfortunately

[@user-fv7jb1bd3s]

what about how nike completely got behind ronaldinho?

[@farsinjahan]

He and adidas could make a great pair ❤️

[@Luca-tt7ib]

Vini to puma here we go!

[@colinbassett1192]

Not gonna happen but would be cool if all the top players dropped the big three brands and went to Mizuno. Their cleats are way better

[@Bobbyvee318]

The levels of pettiness… smh

[@thepolticalone961]

Vicious Jr

[@trevordaniels7857]

I don’t blame him. He’s a world class talent and deserves the respect he’s commanding. Good on him.

[@Kriscur20]

He's also has a huge ego and disrespectful towards players and provoking fans. Then cries about it when people point it out...

[@DPAE-xc4ph]

He’s getting 7 million per year to wear boots. He needs to get over himself.

[@arcaine101]

@@Kriscur20 poor racist fans.

[@Lulu-bu3mc]

@@Kriscur20 hes the most fouled player in europe and has constantly been a target for racism and yet somehow its him provoking fans and players make it make sense

[@unnamed3086]

@@DPAE-xc4ph he obviously just has ambitions to become one of the biggest players worldwide which he feels Nike aren’t helping him with

[@de132]

Vinicius Jr wants out because Nike's campaign strategies for individual athletes have changed and he thinks he can get a breach of contract from these existing agreements. Nike seem to want their focus on fewer specific big name athletes globally with some athletes signed for regional campaigns instead of having many different athletes with global campaigns signed. Even though, both sides likely view the situation in that manner, Nike isn't going to let Vinicius Jr walk because he is still that "next big name" potential. Nike also has campaigns involving younger athletes. That's why the resolution will likely have to be handled through legal proceedings such as arbitration. And in my opinion, that's reasonable for Vinicius Jr to try to do. If a company doesn't want to utilize that player to sell boots, the player should be able to leave and find a company that wants him. For Vinicius Jr, right now is the best growth potential he'll have financially possibly in his life and his relationship with Nike may not be putting him in the best position to maximize it. Nothing is really guaranteed in professional sports. But I can also see where Nike is coming from, he'd probably be a great asset for Adidas and especially PUMA.

[@Nw06051]

Oh Vinicius

[@ArchangelTyrael]

So he gets payed millions by Nike but doesn’t have to work for it. What is he even complaining about?

[@jimboslice4468]

"Wunderkind" Okay Seb we get it you live in Germany now

[@william_8844]

I thought Vinny is 24ish.....kudos for him! 21

[@nitrohz7658]

We would be fine if Nike paid us 100$ a year 😂😂😂😂

[@adityam2999]

Can you do mourinho Roma plsz

[@velimasuku8808]

Nike really don't need him😏

[@memofromessex]

Never heard of him.

[@nuggythebear]

Nike need to fire a few people. They are losing too many high profile athletes.

[@MrHarryStevo]

You get this so much with prominent footballers right now, nike have lost huge players like neymar, sterling, coman, saka. NB and Puma seems to promote their players well individually, NB recently did promo campaigns for sterling and saka with their own boots that focused on them as players not the brand like nike does. Just Sell It.

[@MrKiller271]

Vini deserves respect but the hard truth about him not being involved in commercials is he is just not that handsome. Happened to di maria before.

[@berrybne1114]

Vinnie going to sign for NB 😂

[@deepakmohan8792]

Global appeal and Debruyne don’t go together! That guy doesn’t even have a champions league title to his name and couldn’t make a mark with golden generation of Belgium 😅

[@sbudalicous]

I don't know seems like Vinny myt consider himself successor to Messi at Adidas as they lack a clear successor there . Whilst Haaland &Mbappe are around don't seem like Vinny will be CR7's successor at Nike.If Nike secures Haaland officially again then he has a lot o competition. I think he just low-key forcing himself out of Nike for Adidas.

[@JuanTowerz]

I mean it’s true. Vinni is bearly getting his name out there globally.

[@sanynava9160]

We all know why he's not featured....it's simple...we just don't wanna say it

[@dannyboi3763]

DARK SKIN BROTHER.

[@sanynava9160]

@@dannyboi3763 nah...plenty of dark skinned folks with lots of deals ... He's just not that photogenic lol

[@Lecierge1]

The unfortunate truth 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@_-_.7]

Nyk-e or nyk?

[@chrisdanielchabalala281]

This video was made a long time a go mbappe has 96 million followers on insta

[@kritikal1993]

If Nike did nothing wrong. I hope the contract isn’t terminated. I think it’s time for people to start honouring contracts. If you sign a ten year contract. You only have yourself to blame

[@maximiliankaiser6862]

He just wants to get a bigger contract than 7 mil but he already has a long contract. That's the only reason this is going on.

[@adam_p99]

This video repeats itself but doesn’t actually explain much

[@adamgrimsley2900]

Its a deep felt tragedy for humanity. My profile has hardly grown at all. I've severed all ties with Umbro.

[@miggygetright6344]

NEW BALANCE

[@pechesintep8321]

First won a world cup for Brazil...afterthat you sue NIKE, Hopeless world cup result been a football crazy Nation

[@huicho50able]

Nike probably thinks vini is controversial

[@johanfurtado6887]

Solution: Adidas

[@zulalulua9645]

This guy has to be the most overrated player out there. His finishing is poor ,dribbling is average with average vision. His only saving grace is his speed on the wing , which was well uses last year under counterattacking tactics. He is Aaron lenon compared to mbappe.

[@RandalfElVikingo]

In Spain he is called "Ficticius" for a reason.

[@theasub941]

Better than Pendu tho

[@forrestford46]

Far from the joga bonito days

[@EpticityOG]

Never really understood the hype around him, is he a good player yes but I don’t think he’ll ever be the generational player they hype him up to be.

[@xelaander8429]

Sure thing bud

[@phaphamanibantwini9685]

You know Kev the boy is a world class talent definitely top 5 of the new generation. Just watch and see him prove it.

[@jyotidas8874]

He is already a generational player and a superstar.

[@Paulcorbett7]

Jesus, 7m p/a and not having to do any of the marketing commitments, sounds to me like he hit the jackpot with Nike? 🥴

[@bennyceca]

The most I picked up from this video is that Haaland doesn't have a sponsor with one of the sports brands!!! Could arguably be the best player for many years to come (he's better than Vinicius for sure), expect offers for him will be ridiculous!

[@nathansiukuta9238]

he is better than Vinicius for sure? in what way exactly? last I checked, Vinicius helped guide Madrid to a treble last season at 21 years of age and he does FAARRR more on the pitch than just tap in goals. There's a reason Haaland outside of scoring goals is practically useless ( see how teams like Arsenal, United, Southampton and Brentford shut him down completely. Vinicius defends, assists, helps in build up play, presses opponents, scores goals and generally causes chaos in opponents half and yet somehow you claim Haaland is better? delusional.

[@msgunsmetal]

Haaland could certainly be the most overrated player for years to come lol, put some respect on Vini's name, 90% of the things he does with a ball, Haaland could not dream of doing.

[@bennyceca]

@@nathansiukuta9238 Lets face it, vast majority of teams would rather have Haaland than Vinicius! Scoring goals is the hardest thing, Haaland is the best striker at the moment, stats don't lie!

[@tanmaypandey7475]

@@nathansiukuta9238 Mate Haaland vs Vinicius isn't even up for debate lmao. How do people end up making a debate for a player who had a team title vs someone who's literally breaking records for fun

[@nathansiukuta9238]

@@tanmaypandey7475 you mean tap in records? and also disappearing in big games vs Vini who shows up in big games and has already won a UCL while scoring the winning goal. You are right MATE, this isn't a debate, Vinicius is clear because besides finishing, there's literally nothing Haaland is better at than Vinicius, Erling cant pass well, cross, dribble, wont even attempt a free kick and hasn't proven to be a big game player and constantly easy to quiet down against top teams, something we both know you cant do to Vinicius. There's a reason Pep wanted Kane and even recently in an interview told Haaland to learn from Kane because what he currently does is "boring" Peps words not mine.

[@rayandinho978]

Vinny OP

[@TheLateral18]

Sometimes i think footballers get paid way too much money

[@Skegfromcraigslist]

Athletes in general. And the worst part is the celebrity/idol worship. People will take what these athletes say as gospel, even on topics that they clearly know nothing about.

[@StevieObieYT]

So why is Vini taking Nikey to court?? I watched the full video but you never explained why 🙃

[@yoogeo1]

Wait, Haaland has worn Nike, Adidas AND Puma THIS season?????

[@pjg5102]

@@chriswolf1089 His contract with Nike expired before the season. And the bright green Adidas boots he's worn definitely were not blacked out.

[@rowlandezeani6365]

Vinny does not have the 'hollywood' looks. This is why Nike is not taking his profile seriously.

[@hassanj1861]

Vini is the best player in the world at this moment.

[@octaviobenitez742]

i hope vini and nike don't part ways and im not even a nike or any other, but i can see vini's point as one of the best athletes in the world and a rising star in football, i can understand him getting mad as him not getting the recognition and publicity he deserves. but on nike's point of view they have been supporting him for 9 years and now that he is one of the best he wants to break a deal with a brand that has been there for him for that long just because not him not getting in publicity for nike's world cup ad and brazil's kit ad. This case is going to get crazy.

[@xtwinkiemaster17x]

Probably because he has 50 shot in real life . He needs to be more confident in his shot and stop trying to take the whole team. I hope to see even more greatness as he grows up.

[@staytrippy7302]

I’m surprised he didn’t claim Nike was racist against blacks like he does everywhere else.

[@offtopic9632]

So - Vinicius Jr. is complaining about something. Mild shock...

[@michaelm1537]

👍

[@0_IQ_Noob]

Nike boots are THE best. But brands like NB, Puma and Adidas are catching up. So, losing a valuable future star could affect their promotions a lot.

[@posthrdcore]

What do u mean by "Brazilian Ronaldo"?

[@RandalfElVikingo]

Ronaldo Nazario, Real Ronaldo or True Ronaldo. The one that was a goal monster.

[@r1039]

Next up Haaland boots brand choice

[@unclefrankindia]

just go

[@shaqtaku]

He's getting money from Nike, I don't see the problem

[@de132]

Nike's marketing plans from when they signed Vinicius Jr changed and Vinicius Jr doesn't want to be a part of that change of direction. It isn't just about paychecks today, it's also about investments tomorrow.

[@shaqtaku]

@@de132 oh so it's more of a strategic move

[@colincolin5696]

7 million a year just from his boot sponsorship.. footballers really over overpaid like crazy. Vini isn’t even 25 and he’s worth like 40/50 million. Sad

[@powerful1895]

Was Nike there when he was in favela begging for food training in the rain running from bullet paid him a whatever.

[@colincolin5696]

@@powerful1895 I know I agree with you vini does deserve tons of money but that is crazy money. Especially when other jobs pay nothing compared. And he’s so young. But he’s got good people around him he’ll be okay.

[@manme6051]

He's not the brightest star among the rest. 10 goals, 3 assist in 26 games appear to be normal stats for his level and position.

[@CharlesOffdensen]

Neymar was dropped without any proof of any wrong doing. That is horrible in my opinion. You shouldn't be punished for things you haven't done. Like Neymar was! I bet Vinicius is thinking about Neymar.

[@ckkoh1912]

Hate people who doesn’t respect contract and their signature on the paper

[@leemacdonald6533]

Poor guy