Football kits these days are so much more than simply the colours of your favourite team, with millions being invested to try and secure the manufacturing rights for the biggest clubs in world football.
Some deals are so long-lasting that certain teams’ kits are totally synonymous with a particular sports brand.
The list only includes current deals so Chelsea’s association with Adidas and the Nike partnership with both Juventus and Arsenal are now just part of the history books.
Here are nine of the longest current partnerships between football clubs and kit manufacturers…
9. AC Milan and Adidas
Together since: 1998
First up is sporting giant Adidas, who will feature heavily in this list, who have been on the front of AC Milan’s kits since the last millennium. In that time I Rossoneri have won three Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues, and are intent on returning to the top.
8. Inter Milan and Nike
Together since: 1998
In an attempt to stop Adidas’ monopoly of the city, Nike fell into bed with the other Milan club, Internazionale, in the same year. With Ronaldo being their first major cover star for the club, Nike have remained loyal to I Nerazzurri.
7. Barcelona and Nike
Together since: 1998
Arguably the most iconic partnership in world football, Barcelona’s current deal with Nike is the most lucrative in history, with the Catalan side set to earn £140m a season from the start of next year.
6. Real Madrid and Adidas
Together since: 1998
While Nike have Barcelona, Adidas have Real Madrid and the German company can claim bragging rights in the past couple of years at least, with Ronaldo and co clinching three Champions League titles since 2014.
5. Boca Juniors and Nike
Together since: 1996
Venturing off into South America now and Boca Juniors have been associated with Nike since the mid-1990s. The Buenos Aires-based club have a loyal following in Argentina, meaning that famous swoosh is on constant display.
4. PSG and Nike
Together since: 1989
Paris has been a city that Nike have dominated for over 25 years now, with PSG the only major club in the French capital, and since the Qatari investment in came about in 2011, the team is now a leading superpower.
3. River Plate and Adidas
Together since: 1982
While Nike may claim ownership of Boca, Adidas’ relationship with bitter city rivals River Plate is even older. Also hailing from Buenos Aires, Los Millonarios can claim to be the most successful club in Argentinian history, having won the league on 36 occasions.
2. Marseille and Adidas
Together since: 1979
It has been reported that this will be the final season whereby Marseille’s kits will be manufactured by Adidas, putting an end to a 38-year history, which even saw the infamous Bernard Tapie own both parties at one point.
1. Bayern Munich and Adidas
Together since: 1966
Nothing comes close to Adidas’ relationship with Bayern Munich, with the pair going way back to the 1960s. The German corporation even hold a 8.33% stake in the dominant Bundesliga side and the relationship shows no signs of slowing.
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