Former Villanova Wildcat Becomes First American Distance Runner To Sign Professional Deal With Italian Brand

By Keenan Gray of DyeStat

Photo courtesy of Diadora

Diadora, the Italian footwear and apparel brand, announced Thursday former Villanova Wildcat Marco Langon has signed a multiyear professional contract, becoming the first American distance runner to do so.

A nine-time All-American and the second-fastest performer over the 1,500 meters in NCAA history, Langon joins a growing roster of world-class athletes represented by Diadora, including 2026 World Indoor long jump medalists Larissa Iapichino of Italy (silver) and Saly Sarr of Senegal (bronze).

"I'm honored to begin my professional career with a brand that truly understands runners," said Langon in a released statement from Diadora.

"Diadora's commitment to innovation and performance, combined with their authentic approach to the sport, made this an easy decision."

Prior to signing his pro contract, Langon already had a Name, Image and Likeness deal with Diadora since spring 2025, the first collegiate athlete to have an NIL deal with the brand. He will be making his professional debut Friday night at the Prefontaine Classic in the men's 2 mile.

Langon concluded his collegiate career three weekends ago at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships with a fourth-place finish in the 5,000. He announced after the race he would be forgoing his senior season and would be signing a pro contract.

"Marco embodies the resilience and determination it takes to compete at the highest level, and those are values that have always been at the heart of Diadora,” said Gelindo Bordin, Sports Marketing Director at Diadora and Olympic champion.

“Track and field has played an important role in our history, and over the past few years we've made a deliberate commitment to return to the sport with renewed ambition. Signing athletes like Marco is an important step in that journey, as we invest in the next generation of champions and continue building Diadora's future."

Another athlete to sign an NIL deal with Diadora within the last year was Oregon's Simeon Birnbaum. Birnbaum broke the collegiate record in the 1,500 and went on to win the NCAA title this season. Birnbaum is entered in the Bowerman Mile at the Pre Classic on Saturday.