In a surprising turn of events, the German soccer federation (DFB) announced a significant shift in their apparel and equipment partnership. The American sportswear giant, Nike, will be the new supplier for all of Germany’s national teams starting from 2027. This strategic partnership is set to last until 2034, marking the end of Germany’s 70-year long association with Adidas.

The DFB expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming collaboration with Nike. Federation president Bernd Neuendorf stated, “We’re looking forward to working with Nike and the trust they’ve placed in us”. This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in the comprehensive development of soccer in Germany over the next decade.

However, the DFB also made it clear that their current partnership with Adidas will continue to be valued until its conclusion in December 2026. Adidas has been a significant part of German soccer history, with the national teams wearing Adidas gear for their numerous victories, including four men’s World Cup titles, three European titles, and the women’s two World Cup and eight European titles.

The founder of Adidas, Adi Dassler, was present when the German team clinched their first World Cup victory in 1954. The team wore Adidas’ screw-in stud boots, which played a pivotal role in their triumph. Despite common belief, these boots were not Dassler’s invention but were created by German shoemaker Alexander Salot.

This transition from Adidas to Nike signifies a new chapter in German soccer. As the world eagerly awaits the impact of this change, one thing is certain – the legacy of Adidas in German soccer history will always be remembered.