Asics announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with Spanish football star Andrés Iniesta. He had been with Nike.
The announcement follows the player’s recent high-profile move to Japanese club Vissel-Kobe.
The deal was announced at a press conference today in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the brand’s vision to expand the company’s football business and reach more audiences across Asia and beyond. Iniesta is respected by fans around the world for his playing style and sportsmanship, qualities that closely align with the Asics brand identity.
Iniesta said: “I am extremely excited to be part of the Asics family, a brand that embodies similar values and beliefs to myself as a sportsperson. I am committed to inspiring others to move more, as well as elevating the game from grassroots levels in Japan to bridge the gap between Asian football and the rest of the world. I believe this move is another positive step in making this happen.”
Motoi Oyama, chairman and CEO, representative director Asics Corporation, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Iniesta as an incredible talent and an inspiration to the industry and fans across the globe. Everything that Iniesta stands for both on and off the pitch, make him the perfect fit for not only Asics football, but as a brand ambassador for Asics’ philosophy rooted in in our tagline I MOVE ME. We have already had great success in the football category with our sponsorship of Vissel-Kobe, and we hope to continue with this partnership deal.”
The football player will support the brand through product placement and promotions as a nod to the brand’s growing focus on the football category across Asia as well as delivery of the I MOVE ME brand tagline. As part of the expansion, Asics and Iniesta will work together on future product development set to reach consumers in Japana followed by China and the rest of the world.
Image courtesy Asics
