The Olympic and World Surfing Champion, Italo Ferreira, is the newest athlete sponsored by Nike. With this partnership, Italo will be the only surfer competing in the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) representing the sportswear company.
Always striving to break barriers both in and out of the water, and to inspire future generations, Italo believes this partnership will bring even more prominence to global surfing, especially Brazilian surfing.
"For me, it's an enormous pride and the realization of a dream. I think this achievement is not just mine as a professional athlete, but for the entire surfing community. Every child who dreams of living from the sport also dreams of representing a great brand like Nike. And today, I’ve realized a childhood dream," comments Italo Ferreira.
The partnership was negotiated between IF15, the company responsible for Italo Ferreira's image rights and career management, and Fisia, Nike’s official distributor in Brazil, which is part of the SBF Group ecosystem.
"At Nike, we connect sport, culture, and innovation, exploring new ways to inspire people across various sports and lifestyles. Italo Ferreira joining our athlete portfolio represents exactly that: our commitment to supporting talents who share the brand’s values and inspire new generations," says Gustavo Viana, Marketing Director at Fisia, Nike’s official distributor in Brazil.
Another important aspect of the partnership, according to Marcos Castelouber, Marketing Manager at IF15, is the representation of surfing in the sports marketing market through Italo’s image, which Nike is now helping to strengthen.
"Having Italo wear the brand’s gear, both in and out of the water, will bring even more visibility to surfing, especially among young people who may not yet consume products related to the sport or aren’t familiar with it. This partnership is amazing not just for Italo, but for the entire surfing community, which is growing in Brazil," adds Castelouber.
Italo will make his debut in the World Surf League at the Pipeline event, on Oahu’s beach in Hawaii (USA). The athlete will have the Nike logo on his surfboard.
"Starting the season with this partnership motivates me even more. Last year, I was so close, but I’ve prepared a lot, both physically and mentally, to pursue the world title this year. I’m thankful for the trust in my work in the water and to Nike for seeing in me an athlete who also inspires outside of the water," concludes Italo.
