The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) have officially confirmed a partnership formulated with American sport apparel juggernaut Nike.
The agreement arrives in a timely manner for the international side, given their decision go unbranded after their Puma sponsorship had culminated in 2023.
Nike become the ninth kit manufacturer held by La Celeste Senior men’s national team throughout their history. Initially, their first ever kit sponsor was with Nike’s primary rivals Adidas with the partnership beginning in 1972 and ending in 1983.
Since their 8 year relationship with Adidas, the national side where constant in changing their kit manufacturer. With manufacturers changing hands 6 times in the span of 24 years, it was until 2003 where Puma had become primary endorsers.
The endorsement of Puma lasted from 2006 until 2023. The leaping Puma Cat logo shared a fruitful tenure with Uruguay, experiencing a fourth place finish at the 2010 South Africa world cup campaign, in which was riddled with nostalgia and controversy from La Celeste.
The mind shifts back to when a 31 year old Diego Forlan showed the footballing world on the grandest stage, his immense quality. Storming home with the Golden Ball, Goal of the Tournament and joint top scorer of the competition.
Beyond the 2010 campaign, Uruguay would go on to qualify for the next three editions beyond their best finish since 1970. They were also in collaboration when Uruguay lifted the Copa America in 2011, a mere 16 years since their last victory.
Founded in 1964, Nike is the benchmark in athletic apparel and footwear. Most of the world’s greatest athletes across multiple sporting codes are endorsed by Nike, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Tiger Woods.
Nike have been busy with their national team acquisitions, The German Football Association (DFB) where another powerhouse international outfit accumulated by the American brand, with the partnership commencing in 2027.
