Nike drops Karim Benzema from an advertising campaign

Karim Benzema will ultimately not take part in a Nike advertising campaign. According to The Athletic, the American brand cancelled the project on the eve of filming after reviewing details related to the former France international’s legal history.

Filming cancelled at the last minute

Karim Benzema was due to appear in a campaign dedicated to a streetwear clothing collection. Filming was scheduled to take place on Thursday in London. However, the 38-year-old will ultimately not take part in the project. According to The Athletic, Nike reportedly felt that certain elements of his past did not align with the values the brand wants to promote. The decision came just one day before the scheduled filming.

The case in question concerns the Mathieu Valbuena sextape affair, in which Karim Benzema was convicted of complicity in attempted blackmail. In 2021, the French justice system sentenced the former Real Madrid striker to a one-year suspended prison sentence and a €75,000 fine. The case also led to his exclusion from the France national team for several years.

A previous relationship with Nike

Karim Benzema wore Nike boots at the start of his career, although he later became more closely associated with Adidas. The German brand notably launched a signature boot bearing his name after he won the Ballon d’Or in 2022.

However, his long-term contract with Adidas recently came to an end. Now a free agent following his departure from Al-Hilal, Benzema has not yet announced the end of his career.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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