Niclas Füllkrug savours final Adidas jersey as partnership ends
Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug marked the closing chapter of the national side’s seven‑decade tie with Adidas, saying the black jersey holds special meaning as the partnership draws to an end. He spoke at a Tuesday DFB press conference in Herzogenaurich, reflecting on the historic collaboration that began in 1954.
The 33‑year‑old Werder Bremen striker said the black jersey carries a special significance for him. He recalled the camaraderie of the national team’s training camp at the Adidas Home Ground during the 2024 European Championship. Füllkrug added, “I’m really happy to have a chance to wear this special black jersey… an era is coming to an end. It’s the last time with the three stripes. I’m really happy to have the opportunity to take this jersey home with me and hang it in my closet because it has a special significance.”
Nike to replace Adidas from 2027
The German Football Association’s decision to end its relationship with Adidas after more than seven decades is being described as one of the most significant commercial developments in German football history. The partnership will officially finish on 31 December 2026, with American sportswear maker Nike set to become Germany’s equipment supplier from the start of 2027. The new deal will run from January 2027 until December 2034, ending an association that has spanned over 70 years.
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The DFB defended the switch, saying Nike submitted the strongest offer in a competitive tender and that the agreement will help secure the federation’s financial future. The historic tie began in 1954 when West Germany won the World Cup and Adidas founder Adolf “Adi” Dassler supplied lightweight boots with interchangeable screw‑in studs. Subsequent German World Cup triumphs in 1974, 1990 and 2014 and European Championship victories in 1972, 1980 and 1996 were all accompanied by Adidas.
Political backlash to the switch
The March 2024 announcement that Nike would replace Adidas sparked criticism from politicians, with Economics Minister Robert Habeck calling the partnership part of the nation’s identity. Bavarian Minister‑President Markus Söder and other prominent figures also expressed disappointment at the move to an American competitor.
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Füllkrug remembered returning to Herzogenaurich in the evenings of the hosted European Championship, noting families and children playing around the home ground. He said even the night after Germany’s quarter‑final loss to Spain there was a strong community feel, which he found very nice.