Revealed: Nike’s plan to make Jude Bellingham the next Michael Jordan – with iconic goal celebration logo lined up as Real Madrid & England star looks to eclipse David Beckham’s net worth of £372m

NBA legend Jordan linked up with Nike during his playing days at the Chicago Bulls and quickly became the face of that manufacturer. The Air Jordan line of trainers have passed $5 billion (£4bn) in sales, making the basketball great a very rich man in the process.

Nike, who also have Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on their books, are now looking to make Real Madrid and England midfielder Bellingham their next big brand – as he is lured away from sportswear rivals adidas. The 20-year-old is said to have seen a logo drawn up similar to the iconic ‘Jumpman’ emblem that is synonymous with Jordan.

Bellingham’s decision to trademark his name, while also securing image rights, is said to have pocketed him around £2.5 million. The Daily Mail claims that linking up with Nike – on the back of other deals, such as the one he recently agreed with Kim Kardashian’s ‘Skims’ brand - could see the 2024 Ballon d’Or contender go to to eclipse Manchester United and England legend David Beckham in the earning stakes. The Inter Miami co-owner is said to have a net worth of £372m ($450m).

Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has told the Mail: “It couldn’t have got off to a better start with Jude Bellingham announced internationally as the face and body of Kim Kardashian’s hit underwear brand Skims and then to get the Three Lions off to a flying start in the Euros. He’s got a massive 33 million social media followers on Instagram, supermodel stature and a model girlfriend - all eyes are on him on and of the pitch. Jude’s a marketing dream and the fans love him. He’s only 20 and literally has the world at his feet and is well on his way to becoming the new Beckham. with brands clambering to work with him and sign him up the future is golden him. He’s determined to make a mark for his country. With his international appeal cemented cleverly by Skims and an endorsement from Kim to over 300 million people, he’s got all the right skills and fans to become the next Michael Jordan.”

Bellingham is dating Dutch model Laura Celia and was the face of adidas’ pre-Euro 2024 promotional campaign this summer as he starred in a ‘Hey Jude’ video alongside Beckham and Frank Lampard. He netted the winning goal for England in their European Championship opener against Serbia and – having already savoured La Liga and Champions League glory in 2024 – has his sights set on more major honours.