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Neymar and long-time sponsor Nike part ways with Puma touted to step in

  • Media reports say the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil talisman was in talks with Nike’s German rivals Puma

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Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar has ended his association with Nike. Photo: AFP

Nike said on Saturday it had parted ways with Neymar, ending one of its most high-profile sponsorship deals a decade and a half after signing the star striker as a 13-year-old prodigy.

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“I can confirm Neymar is no longer a Nike athlete,” a spokesman for the US sportswear giant, Josh Benedek said without giving further details.

Media reports said the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil talisman was in talks with Nike’s German rivals Puma.

Brazilian news site UOL said Neymar and Nike had failed to reach a deal on how much money he would be paid for renewing his contract.

Neymar reacts to defeat after the final whistle of the Uefa Champions League final. Photo: DPA
Neymar reacts to defeat after the final whistle of the Uefa Champions League final. Photo: DPA
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It said negotiations between the company and the footballer’s agents had run into trouble months ago.

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