da wazamba： Nike are reportedly planning to make Jude Bellingham the next Michael Jordan, with a unique logo featuring his iconic goal celebration being lined up.
da jogodeouro： Article continues below
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Midfielder currently on books of adidasBattle on between sportswear giantsPotential for brand to bring in big moneyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
NBA legend Jordan linked up with Nike during his playing days at the Chicago Bulls and quickly became the face of that manufacturer. The Air Jordan line of trainers have passed $5 billion (£4bn) in sales, making the basketball great a very rich man in the process.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Nike, who also have Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on their books, are now looking to make Real Madrid and England midfielder Bellingham their next big brand – as he is lured away from sportswear rivals adidas. The 20-year-old is said to have seen a logo drawn up similar to the iconic ‘Jumpman’ emblem that is synonymous with Jordan.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Bellingham’s decision to trademark his name, while also securing image rights, is said to have pocketed him around £2.5 million. The Daily Mail claims that linking up with Nike – on the back of other deals, such as the one he recently agreed with Kim Kardashian’s ‘Skims’ brand – could see the 2024 Ballon d’Or contender go to to eclipse Manchester United and England legend David Beckham in the earning stakes. The Inter Miami co-owner is said to have a net worth of £372m ($450m).
WHAT BRAND EXPERT SAID
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has told the : “It couldn’t have got off to a better start with Jude Bellingham announced internationally as the face and body of Kim Kardashian’s hit underwear brand Skims and then to get the Three Lions off to a flying start in the Euros. He’s got a massive 33 million social media followers on Instagram, supermodel stature and a model girlfriend – all eyes are on him on and of the pitch. Jude’s a marketing dream and the fans love him. He’s only 20 and literally has the world at his feet and is well on his way to becoming the new Beckham. with brands clambering to work with him and sign him up the future is golden him. He’s determined to make a mark for his country. With his international appeal cemented cleverly by Skims and an endorsement from Kim to over 300 million people, he’s got all the right skills and fans to become the next Michael Jordan.”