Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have announced that Nike will be their new kit manufacturer in a flexing of their commercial muscles with CR7 onboard.
The 38-year-old superstar has a lifetime deal with Nike and is on a £147million, 10-year deal with the American giants.
It follows Al-Hilal switching out their in-house brand, Mouj, for worldwide sportswear name Puma on a five-year contract as the Saudi pro league’s international fame skyrockets.
Al-Nassr previously had their kits made by Nike between 1997 and 2001 and, in a second stint, 2010 and 2012.
The change might not mark a huge visual departure from their current kit design, as their current manufacturer, Arabic giants Duneus, took direct inspiration from the Nike style
Fans will have their first chance to see the strip in action when the Riyadh-based outfit test themselves against PSG and Inter Milan in a tour of Japan at the end of the month.
Before then, they undertake their first pre-season challenges in Portugal, where they will face Spanish side Celta Vigo and Portuguese champions Benfica.
Such a procession across two continents speaks to the prestigious circles in which Al-Nassr are held following mountains of cash entering the Saudi game.
One of the most successful Saudi Arabian sides historically, Al-Nassr were one of four clubs taken control of by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in June.
Alongside them, the PIF bought 75 per cent stakes in Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal.