The French footballer Karim Benzema was set to appear in a campaign dedicated to a streetwear clothing collection. The shoot was planned for Thursday in London. But the 38-year-old player will ultimately not participate in the project.
According to information published by The Athletic, Nike reportedly judged that certain elements of his past did not align with the values the brand wishes to highlight. This decision came just one day before the scheduled shoot.
The case in question concerns the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape affair, in which Karim Benzema was convicted of complicity in attempted blackmail.
In 2021, French justice convicted the former Real Madrid striker to one year in prison with a suspended sentence and a fine of 75,000 euros. This affair also led to his sidelining from the France national team for several years.
A prior relationship with Nike
Karim Benzema wore Nike shoes early in his career, though he has since been more closely associated with Adidas.
The German brand had notably launched a signature pair in his name after his Ballon d’Or won in 2022.
His long-term contract with Adidas has recently ended. Now clubless since leaving Al-Hilal, Benzema has not yet announced the end of his career.
