Germany ditching adidas 'lacks patriotism' as leaders erupt in fury over Nike kit switch

German politicians have slammed the German FA (DFB) for their decision to ditch adidas as the national kit manufacturer.

For the first time since the 1950s, die Mannschaft will not be sporting the iconic three stripes after it was confirmed Nike would be the official team kit supplier from 2027 onwards. The partnership with adidas – founded by cobbler Adi Dasler in 1946 - has become synonymous with some of the biggest moments in German football, including four World Cup wins between 1954 and 2014.

They will however, been in adidas gear for the Euro 2024 opener against Scotland. The hosts take on against Steve Clarke's side to kick the finals off on June 14 in Munich. But the 2026 World Cup will be the last such occasion in partnership with the sportswear giant, and some of the country's political big hitters have taken aim at the decision to make Nike's money rather than stick with tradition.

"I can hardly imagine the Germany shirt without the three stripes," Economy Minister Robert Habeck said in a statement to AFP. "For me, adidas and black-red-gold always belonged together," Habeck said, describing the pairing as a "piece of German identity" and he "would have hoped for more patriotism" from the German Football Association."

Health Minister Karl Lauterbach took to social media to state the move saw: "commerce destroy a tradition and a piece of home," and that it was the "wrong decision".