Is it possible that Neymar signed with Puma because Puma will be underwriting or subsidizing his transfer away from Paris Saint-Germain?
While Puma is an excellent and storied brand, which is synonymous with both Pelé and Diego Maradona, it is rare for someone to leave Nike. Nike could have easily matched any offers from other shoe and sporting goods company. Nike catapulted onto the world football and soccer stage in the mid-1990’s when they sponsored Brazil and Romário at the 1994 World Cup. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are sponsored by Nike. The inclusion of Neymar into the tradition of Pelé and Maradona is fascinating and nostalgic, but it still was surprising that Neymar would leave Nike. Cristiano Ronaldo has been a Nike player his entire career, and he never switched brands despite his three club transfers.
Football fans should consider the possibility that Neymar’s switch to Puma was necessary to allow him to be sold by PSG and bought by a different club. Such a move isn’t unprecedented. When the American international left AS Roma for Toronto FC, he magically switched from Nike to Puma, but without much fanfare or media coverage if memory serves.
While a return to Barcelona has been the rumored destination for Neymar, it would be fascinating to see the Brazilian perhaps sign with a top Serie A club, Bundesliga club, or even a Premier League club. Could it be possible that we see Neymar play for Juventus or Inter Milan. It’s difficult to imagine Neymar going to play for AC Milan, not because the club isn’t big enough or storied enough, but because the team lacks the level of players that Neymar deserves. Rafael Leão is a Portuguese striker on the rise, but Milan really lack the class for Neymar. Inter Milan certainly need a boost at the defensive midfielder position before a player like Neymar would go there, but perhaps this is in the works.
All of this discussion of Neymar transferring to another club is pure speculation, but Neymar signing with Puma made little sense to all of us outsiders. Surely, there must be a reason why Neymar would leave Nike, the top dog in global sports and footwear, and sign with Puma who are not nearly as famous. Maybe Rihanna influenced Neymar’s switch. Who knows? We’ll find out soon enough.