One Last Shirt: Germany and adidas Close a 70-Year Chapter
Some football shirts mark a tournament; others capture an era. In Germany, the three stripes have come to represent something closer to an identity. At the end of 2026, Germany and adidas will bring their more-than-seven-decade partnership to a close, with Nike becoming the DFB’s official supplier in January 2027. CEO Bjørn Gulden has confirmed that Germany will receive a special farewell shirt for the upcoming Nations League campaign, giving one of football’s longest relationships a fitting send-off.
More Than a Kit Supplier
The story dates back to the 1954 World Cup, when adidas founder Adi Dassler worked with the West German team as it won its first world title. His iconic screw-in stud boots famously became part of the “Miracle of Bern” story.
Since then, adidas has been part of every generation of German football. From the geometric black, red and gold design of the 1990 World Cup to 2006 and Germany’s triumph in 2014, the brand has helped shape some of the country’s most recognisable football imagery.
Those shirts have also outlasted the tournaments they were created for. Today, vintage Germany jerseys belong as much to fashion and streetwear as they do to football nostalgia.
Adidas has embraced that legacy ahead of its departure. Its recent Bringback collection revived several historic Germany designs, turning pieces of the country’s football archive into contemporary lifestyle products.
One Last Goodbye
What makes the decision to create a farewell kit particularly meaningful? Germany could simply wear its current adidas shirts until the contract expires. Instead, the partnership is being given a deliberate conclusion, turning a commercial separation into a cultural moment.
There is also an interesting contradiction behind it. Adidas is a German company and has been connected to the national team for generations, yet the DFB ultimately chose Nike after stating that the American company made “by far the best economic offer.”
It is a reminder that even football’s strongest traditions exist within an increasingly commercial game.
Nike will create a new visual identity for Germany from 2027 onward. New shirts will arrive, and new memories will eventually be attached to them. But after more than seven decades, adidas is not simply losing a sponsorship.
German football is losing the three stripes.
Ready for more?
Enjoyed reading about Germany and adidas’ final chapter? Take a look back at the German national team’s 125th-anniversary kit, or discover how Germany’s latest shirt features among the Top 10 World Cup Kits of 2026.
For even more football heritage, explore the iconic World Cup retro kits that defined football history, including Germany’s unforgettable 1994 adidas jersey.
To stay up to date with the latest football x lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram!
