Nike Pressures Real Madrid Over Mbappé
While Kylian Mbappé recovers from his knee injury with the goal of reaching the final stretch of the season and the upcoming World Cup in top condition, Real Madrid and Nike are engaged in a peculiar battle off the field.
The French forward has a contract with the American sports brand, which includes certain commercial and sporting commitments. Among them is the obligation to participate with the French national team in the friendlies scheduled for the upcoming FIFA international window.
The Clause Complicating Things for Real Madrid
In Kylian Mbappé’s contract, and also in the agreement of the France national team, which is outfitted by Nike, there is a clause stating that the Real Madrid striker must participate in these matches, even if only for a few minutes.
These friendlies have special significance because France will face Brazil, another of the brand’s flagship national teams, which also features Vinícius Jr. as one of its main sponsored stars.
For Nike, having Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. on the same field wearing their gear in a match ahead of the World Cup represents enormous commercial value. However, Real Madrid is not willing to risk its striker, who has only just begun recovering from his injury.
The Champions League Dilemma
A clear regulation comes into play here: clubs cannot refuse to release players called up by their national teams unless those players are officially reported as injured.
Real Madrid could choose to keep Kylian Mbappé resting to prevent him from traveling to the United States, where France will play friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, but there is one detail complicating the situation.
If Kylian Mbappé plays minutes in the upcoming Champions League match against Manchester City, the club would lose its argument to justify why the player should not travel with the national team. The forward has already completed training sessions with the squad, and everything indicates he could see action in that game.
The France national team will call up Kylian Mbappé for these commitments with little discussion. However, if Real Madrid officially reports him as injured, the attacker could remain with the club to continue his recovery process.
The question remains: what will ultimately happen with Kylian Mbappé?
