Puma Is Replacing Nike as the Outfitter for the Portuguese Football Federation
A major shift is coming for one of Europe’s top national soccer teams, as Puma has announced a new long-term agreement with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
The new partnership will begin in 2025, with Nike having outfitted Portugal since 1997. Under the new deal, Puma will equip Portugal’s men’s, women’s and youth teams in soccer, as well as the federation’s futsal, beach football and E-Sports teams.
Brazil has also been signed with Nike since 1997, and the only national teams with longer partnerships are The Netherlands (1996) and United Staes (1995).
“Signing a top-tier national team was one of our priorities in football and I am very excited to welcome a team as popular as Portugal to the PUMA Family,” Arne Freundt, Puma chief operation officer, said in a press release. “Given the large number of fans all over the world and the great potential of the next generation of this squad, we are looking forward to the upcoming big tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup.”
Fernando Gomes, president of the FPF, added: “We were attracted to PUMA because of the way in which they engage with the fans and tell the unique story of every team they work with. We look forward to creating an exciting range of products with them which will resonate with our large fan base all over the world.”
New product and creative direction for Puma and Portugal will be released in early 2025.
Portugal immediately becomes Puma’s top national team, as the German brand currently has deals in place with Austria, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Paraguay, Serbia and Switzerland. On the club side, Puma also outfits Manchester City, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Palmeiras and Olympique Marseille.
Puma’s flagship King soccer boot was made for legendary Portuguese national Eusébio, nicknamed “O Rei” or “The King,” when he played in the ’60s. Its current player roster includes Brazil’s Neymar Jr. and USA’s Christian Pulisic as two of its biggest stars.
2027 will bring an even more seismic shift to European soccer, as Nike will take over for Adidas in outfitting its own country of Germany.
Just last week, Nike reissued Portugal’s iconic Euro 2004 jerseys.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.