Aug. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Nike Inc. has overtaken Adidas-Salomon AG as Europe's leading soccer brand for the first time, the Financial Times reported, citing market research company NPD Group Inc.

Nike held 34 percent of the market in football-related footwear for the 12 months to March 2004, compares with Adidas' 30.2 percent, the paper said.

Nike has been taking soccer ``seriously'' for the last 10 years, the FT said, citing Eunan McLaughlin, head of Nike's European business.

Since 1994, when the U.S. hosted the World Cup, Nike has increased its revenue from football by signing endorsement deals with Brazil and Manchester United, the paper said.

Nike now makes more money from its international business than from its U.S. market, with $1 billion of revenue coming from its soccer interests, the paper said.

(Financial Times 08-19 25)

To contact the reporter on this story: Jake Lee in London at jlee127@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: August 18, 2004 20:25 EDT