If you’re reading this then it’s likely you’re already aware of just how important Nike is as a global brand. The Swoosh label is one of the most recognisable brands in the world and only continues to grow in popularity as time goes on. But how did this all begin? Well, Nike was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and was originally called Blue Ribbon Sports, with Knight and his team set on providing athletes with the best possible footwear. While these days many sneakerheads may know Nike as a lifestyle brand, it’s safe to say that the label is still deep-rooted within sports, endorsing some of the biggest athletes in the world.
But just who are these athletes? Well, rumour has it that the Swoosh sponsors over 16,900 athletes across the world, which sure is a huge figure. While we can’t cover all of these, today we’re taking a look at some of the most recognisable names from across Nike’s roster. So if you’ve ever wondered just who might be getting all that free Nike gear, now is the time to find out!
Michael Jordan
Once again, if you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ll already know exactly who Michael Jordan is. As well as being the head honcho over at Jordan Brand (a subsidiary of Nike), MJ is one of the greatest basketball players in the world, having played 15 seasons in the NBA and leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the court and is recognised for his distinctive playing style and undeniable attitude.
Unlike other Nike athletes, Michael Jordan doesn’t just have his own signature sneaker. He has an entire range of products dedicated to him, with Jordan Brand almost operating as a separate brand entity within the Nike umbrella. Models such as the Air Jordan 1, the Air Jordan 4 and the Air Jordan 11 have all proved hugely popular since their arrival, while you’ll also find plenty of apparel dedicated to MJ from throughout the years.
Cristiano Ronaldo
If you paid even a hint of attention to any football games within the last 20 years, there’s a good chance that you might have heard of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is often referred to as one of the greatest players to even step foot on the pitch and has played for the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid. He’s known for his speed and accuracy, with many critics stating that there are minimal other athletes that can mirror his attitude for perfection and excellence.
Ronaldo has long since been a Nike athlete, with his CR7 branding featured across a huge range of football boots, apparel and accessories. Never one to shy away from style either, Cristiano Ronaldo has had both a signature Air Max 97 and an Air Force 1 release over the years.
Serena Williams
There aren’t many athletes in the world who have revolutionised their sport as much as Serena Williams. Known for bringing more strength and power to women’s tennis than anybody to play before her, Williams is often regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. She was ranked the world number one in women’s tennis for a total of 319 weeks and is the only player to ever have accomplished a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
Much like the other athletes on this list, Serena Williams has had countless signature sneakers launch throughout her career, but perhaps the most notable effort might be her part in a three-way collaboration between herself, Off-White and Nike, which consisted of a Blazer and an Air Max 97 decked out in grey and purple hues.
LeBron James
Another basketball star makes our list, this time in the form of the legend that is LeBron James. The LA Lakers star is a big deal in the NBA and is also the first-ever professional basketball player to become a billionaire, which he has achieved through his various business efforts. Along with winning three NBA championships and being awarded four MVP (most valuable player) awards, the baller has held a longstanding relationship with Nike, launching a plethora of signature silhouettes and colourways over the years.
Many sneakerheads and specifically Americans will be familiar with his performance models, however we’ve also seen LeBron Dunks, Air Max 95s and even Air Force 1s.
Paul Rodriguez
Last but by no means least, Nike SB’s very own Paul Rodriguez is more than worthy of a spot on our list. Often referred to simply as “P-Rod”, the American professional skateboarder is one of the most decorated skaters of all time, winning a total of eight medals in the X Games. P-Rod has long since been a Nike athlete, publicly stating that he was thrilled to sign the deal, since he had been wearing Jordans and Nikes his whole life. It’s worth noting that Rodriguez is one of only four other Nike athletes to have produced eight signature silhouettes, with the other three being Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
There’s been a heap of performance-orientated P-Rod models over the years, as well as plenty of Nike SB Dunks showcasing wild-looking designs, which us sneakerheads tend to prefer. No doubt, P-Rod is one of skateboarding’s biggest sneakerheads!