The first football boot brands that sponsored footballers

Last update 8 January, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

The sponsorship of soccer players by Soccer Boots marked a before and after in the football industry. This link not only promoted the popularity of the players, but also defined the evolution of the design and technology of the boots. Next, We review some of the pioneer brands in this area and their impact on the king sport.

The first football boots brands that sponsored soccer players

Puma: Pelé and the World Cup 1970

Puma was one of the first brands to bet on the sponsorship of soccer players. His alliance with Pelé, considered one of the best players in history, catapulted the brand to stardom. Pelé wore the iconic boots Puma King During the World Cup in Mexico 1970, where Brazil conquered his third title.

Before I had also looked at them in 1966 in england. Then we could see that they were also an iconic brand for Johan Cruyff, Mario Alberto Kempes and for Diego Armando Maradona himself. This model became a symbol of quality and elegance, being adopted by numerous players.

Adidas: Innovation and tradition since the years 70

Adidas, founded on 1949, began to gain ground in sports sponsorship during the decades of 1970 y 1980. The boots Adidas Copa Mundial, launched in 1979, They marked a milestone in the history of sports shoes. Designed for the World Cup in Spain 1982, This model was used by several elite players, consolidating as one of the most emblematic in history.

Patrick: European elegance in the years 80

The Patrick brand, of European origin, He had his boom when associating with figures like Michel Platini and Michael Laudrup. During the years 70 y 80, This brand stood out for its classic design and commitment to quality, being a reference among the professional players of the time. It is one of the most mythical football boots in history.

Kronos: Stoichkov and its stage at FC Barcelona

The Italian brand Kronos positioned itself as a reference in the years 90 Al Patrocinar a Hristo Stoichkov, One of the great stars of FC Barcelona. The Kronos boots were perfectly adapted to the offensive and technical style of the Bulgarian striker, demonstrating that emerging brands could also compete in the sports footwear market.

Nike: The giant who broke into the years 90

Although he arrived later, Nike changed the rules of the game in sports sponsorship. During the years 90, He opted for young promises like Ronaldo Nazário, who wore his boots in the France World Cup 1998. This strategy catapulted Nike to market leadership, consolidating as one of the most influential brands in football. But it was not the only VIP that the sports brand sponsored. There were others like Romario, Subsequently Ronaldinho and especially Cristiano Ronaldo who led the brand to the highest level.

The impact of sponsorship on football

These associations between brands and players not only promoted players' careers, but also transformed the way the boots are designed. Companies began to invest in research and development to improve aspects such as comfort, grip and durability, adapting to the demands of modern football.

The evolution of sponsorship in football has led to a real revolution in the sports industry, laying the foundations for what we know today as sports marketing. Brands like Puma, Adidas and Nike have left their mark on football history, transforming not only the image of sport, but also its technological development.