It’s the beginning of a new era at Chelsea. Nike have agreed a 15-year sponsorship deal with the Blues and will now be manufacturing their kit until 2032.
The timing couldn't be any better for the Sportswear company as the English side were just crowned the Premier League champions. Nike have unveiled the Chelsea home kit for the 2017/18 season and have used a darker shade of blue than what the Blues wore in recent years. The immaculate design features little white strokes that are barely seen at first glance.
You can buy Chelsea’s 2017/18 Nike jersey on Jabong here.
Nike's deal with the football club might be new, but they have been sponsoring their top players for a long time now.
Here are the 5 best Chelsea players sponsored by Nike:
#5 Eden Hazard
Good with his feet and very difficult to dispossess, Belgian-born Eden Hazard made his Chelsea debut in 2012. The Nike Mercurial Vapour X that he wears enhances his reputation of being a ‘brilliant passer’, helping him run through opponents at lightning speed.
In his debut season for the Blues, Hazard went on to win the UEFA Europa League and was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year in the season that followed. In 2014–15, he helped Chelsea win the League Cup and the Premier League.
Earlier this year, Hazard was named in the PFA Team of the Year, the fourth time he had achieved the distinction in his five seasons at Chelsea.
#4 John Terry
Captain. Leader. Legend.
Terry defined the role of a central defender in his two-decade long career for Chelsea, commanding the side with his authoritative captaincy. A product of the youth academy, Terry made the leap to the top level in 1998 and was named as the UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2005, 2008 and 2009.
Chelsea’s most successful captain, having led the side in more than 500 games, Terry is also one of the highest scoring defenders in the Premier League, assisted well by his Nike Magista Opus boots.
#3 Thibaut Courtois
The 6’6’’ shot-stopper could perhaps be the first choice for any side in the world, thanks to his composure between the poles and his error-free game. His agility, despite his towering height, helped the Belgian clinch a deal with Chelsea as a 19-year-old in 2011.
After brief loan spells, he returned to the side in 2014, showing just how valuable he is by winning the League Cup and the Premier League that very year.
There is very little that passes through the solid Nike Vapour Grip 3 gloves that he wears as he hurls himself in front of the goal to stop just about anything that comes his way.
Next season, he is bound to be a nightmare for the opposition forwards in the shiny new Nike kit, that you can buy on Jabong.
#2 Didier Drogba
A beast on the football field, the Ivorian was a nightmare for the defenders during his stint at Chelsea from 2004-12, and once again in 2014-15. His physical presence gave him an edge over his opponents, as he went about decimating sides with his tremendous shooting power and astute finishing abilities.
The fourth highest goal scorer for the club, Drogba scored more goals than any other foreigner, becoming the first African player in 2012 to complete a century of Premier League goals.
Helped along by his Nike Mercurial Vapour boots, Drogba’s contributions became a highlight of many memorable Chelsea wins, most notably the late equaliser and the penalty shootout in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final.
#1 David Luiz
One of the most recognisable defenders in the world courtesy his frizzy mop of hair, Brazilian-born Luiz is the perfect successor to captain Terry’s legacy at Chelsea. The central defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, is well known for his very high work rate and excellent ball distribution skills.
Luiz joined Chelsea in early 2011, winning the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup in his first season, and following it up with the UEFA Europa League next year.
His long range free kicks are a rage, thanks to his Nike Magista Obra II boots that help him curl the ball perfectly past any wall.
You can now get your hands on the 2017/18 Chelsea kit designed by Nike on Jabong.
