words // Brandon Richard
via Press Release

Today, PUMA officially announced a new long-term partnership with one of soccer’s biggest personalities and most talented strikers — Mario Balotelli. The Italian international icon joins Usain Bolt, Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, Marco Reus, Radamel Falcao and Rickie Fowler on PUMA’s roster of star athletes.

Balotelli debuted custom ‘Headlines’ evoPOWER Stampa FG cleats on the pitch in AC Milan’s game against Roma and wore them again last night in the Milan Derby. The cleats feature new headlines that have defined his career to date.

PUMA believes Balotelli will be a key asset to its brand and soccer communication throughout the upcoming ears. Their long-standing partnership with the Italian Football Association (FIGC) is another strategic focus in which the Italian center forward will play a significant role.

Speaking about the new partnership with PUMA, Mario Balotelli said, “This is a great move for me. From the early conversations I had with PUMA it was clear that they understand me, my personality and my ambition. The product and marketing plans they have developed are very exciting and I will be proud to be associated with everything I have seen. PUMA’s support for the Italian National team was another instrumental reason for me signing this contract and I am sure that the coming years will bring many good things for us all.”

Björn Gulden, CEO of PUMA, commented: “Mario Balotelli is a world class football player who will become a key ambassador for PUMA as his passion, speed, agility and power make him a perfect fit for our brand. With the FIFA World Cup in Brazil ahead of us, 2014 will be an important year for PUMA. Having Mario to complement an already strong sports-marketing portfolio, he will support our new brand mission ‘Forever Faster’ which will have a significant impact for the PUMA brand.”