According to reports, Jude Bellingham will be the next Michael Jordan, and Nike is working on a special design that will feature his famous goal celebration.
NBA legend Michael Jordan partnered with Nike during his Chicago Bulls days and became their top ambassador. The Air Jordan sneaker line has sold over $5 billion (£4bn), making Jordan extremely wealthy.
After luring Bellingham away from rival apparel company adidas, Nike, who also has Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo in their books, is now aiming to establish itself as the next big thing. Bellingham plays midfield for Real Madrid and England. The 20-year-old reportedly saw a graphic designed to resemble the recognizable “Jumpman” symbol that is associated with Jordan.
Bellingham trademarked his name and secured image rights, earning about £2.5 million. The Daily Mail reports that partnering with Nike, along with other deals like his recent one with Kim Kardashian’s ‘Skims’ brand, could help the 2024 Ballon d’Or contender surpass David Beckham’s net worth of £372m ($450m).
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has told the Mail:
“It couldn’t have got off to a better start with Jude Bellingham announced internationally as the face and body of Kim Kardashian’s hit underwear brand Skims and then to get the Three Lions off to a flying start in the Euros.
He’s got a massive 33 million social media followers on Instagram, supermodel stature and a model girlfriend – all eyes are on him on and of the pitch.
Jude’s a marketing dream and the fans love him. He’s only 20 and literally has the world at his feet and is well on his way to becoming the new Beckham. with brands clambering to work with him and sign him up the future is golden him.
He’s determined to make a mark for his country. With his international appeal cemented cleverly by Skims and an endorsement from Kim to over 300 million people, he’s got all the right skills and fans to become the next Michael Jordan.”
Bellingham, dating Dutch model Laura Celia, is a feature in adidas’ pre-Euro 2024 campaign alongside Beckham and Lampard.
He scored the winning goal for England against Serbia and, after winning La Liga and the Champions League in 2024, aims for more major titles.
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