Exclusive: Nike to Discontinue Phantom Boot Line - Hypervenom Comeback or All-New Silo?
Aug 20, 2026, by Chris
- Phantom Series Discontinuation: Nike plans to end its Phantom football boot series, with the current Phantom 6 being the final generation of the silo, despite its significant role since 2018.
- Void in Nike's Boot Lineup: With the Phantom line ending, Nike's football boot offerings will be reduced to just the Mercurial and Tiempo lines, necessitating a new third silo to fill this gap.
- Potential Replacements: Nike is considering either reviving the popular Hypervenom series, which the Phantom line originally replaced, or introducing an entirely new boot silo to take its place.
Nike is set to make a massive shake-up to its football boot lineup. According to our exclusive information, Nike will probably end its Phantom series, with the current Nike Phantom 6 marking the final generation of the silo. The change will take effect from summer 2027.
The End of the Nike Phantom Line
The Phantom franchise has been a central pillar of Nike Football since 2018, evolving through various models including the Phantom VSN, Phantom VNM, Phantom GT, Phantom GX, Phantom Luna, and the current Phantom 6. Known for its grip, precision touch, and off-center lacing systems, it has been worn by some of the best playmakers in world football. However, Nike appears ready to close this chapter once the Phantom 6 cycle concludes.
What Will Join Mercurial and Tiempo?
With the discontinuation of the Phantom silo, Nike will rely on its legendary Mercurial speed boot and the heritage Tiempo line. However, Nike will probably not be left with only two silos. A third boot is planned to step in and fill the void left by the Phantom.
While specific details remain strictly confidential, two clear possibilities have emerged. Nike could bring back the fan-favorite Hypervenom series, which was originally replaced by the Phantom line (The Hypervenom will come back, but we do not know if it will be a standalone silo). Alternatively, Nike may introduce a completely new, next-generation silo built from scratch.
Are you sad to see the Nike Phantom series come to an end? Would you prefer a Hypervenom revival or a totally new silo? Let us know in the comments below.
Adidas Gives Czechia and Singapore Identical Kit Designs
Following Czechia's high-profile switch from Puma to Adidas after 33 years, kit enthusiasts quickly spotted an uncanny similarity between Czechia's newly unveiled 26-27 home shirt and another recent Adidas addition: Singapore. Both national teams recently parted ways with long-term suppliers, with Singapore ending a two-decade partnership with Nike just weeks before Czechia ended their three-decade Puma era, only for both to receive remarkably similar shirts from the Three Stripes.
The resemblance between the two red shirts is unmistakable. Both jerseys rely on the exact same template and trim styling, built around a red base with a white crew collar bordered by thin navy blue piping, matching white sleeve cuffs with identical navy trim, and white Three Stripes across the shoulders. The primary visual difference is found in the texture of the fabric, as Singapore's kit incorporates a subtle tonal wave pattern, whereas Czechia's jersey arrives in a plain, solid red finish. Even the promotional launch shots look almost mirrored, with both federations photographing players seated or standing while holding an Adidas Tiro football.
The duplication stems from Adidas' streamlined template strategy when signing new federations on tight turnaround times. With both agreements sealed relatively late in the cycle, bespoke tailor-made graphics were kept to a minimum, resulting in what fans have labeled accidental twin kits on opposite sides of the globe.
Closer Look: Raphinha Tests Next-Gen Adidas Predator 27 Prototype Boots
FC Barcelona winger Raphinha has become the latest star to be spotted testing the next-generation Adidas Predator 2027 prototype boots. Following recent sightings of Jules Koundé and Anthony Gordon, the Brazilian forward laced up the unreleased fold-over tongue model during training, offering the clearest on-pitch look yet at what the Three Stripes have prepared for their flagship control silo.
Barcelona Debut Red Shorts and Socks Variant
Barcelona officially debuted a red shorts and socks variant with their 2026-27 home shirt in the away match against Valencia, avoiding a potential kit clash.
The combination was previously used in a friendly against Birmingham City last month and is set to be used regularly throughout the season. It also marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that Barcelona have used red as a supplementary colour alongside their home shirt.
The new combination made a memorable competitive debut as Barcelona secured a 5-0 win over Valencia.
Thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the information and collage.
SV Zulte Waregem 26-27 Third Kit Released - 25th Anniversary Design
Belgian side SV Zulte Waregem and kit supplier Patrick have officially released their new third kit for the 26-27 season. Celebrating the club's silver jubilee marking 25 years since their formation in 2001, Essevee swap out their traditional red, green, and white colours for an understated black and silver look dubbed "Memories worth a touch of silver."
The Patrick SV Zulte Waregem 26-27 third jersey features a black base detailed with thin vertical silver pinstripes down the front. A closer inspection reveals that the pinstripes incorporate handwritten script documenting key milestones and dates throughout the club's history, highlighting achievements such as their inaugural 2001-02 title and their memorable 2012-13 campaign as league runners-up.
Completing the anniversary aesthetic, the jersey is finished with a silver V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs. All branding—including the monochrome SV Zulte Waregem club crest, Patrick maker's marks, and primary sponsors iDocta and Elindus—appears in silver and white to match the unified commemorative design.
Napoli Wears Last Season's Shorts Against Inter - Here Is Why
In their Serie A clash against Inter at San Siro, SSC Napoli caught the attention of eagle-eyed Napoli kit expert @TutelaMagliaNA. For the 26-27 centenary season, EA7 designed two distinct pairs of white shorts: the home shorts carry the club's special centenary crest, while the away version features an alternate Mount Vesuvius-themed logo. Because the red jersey used the standard circular Napoli crest, pairing it with either of the 26-27 white shorts would have caused a clash of emblems on the same uniform.
Rather than producing a third set of white change shorts solely to carry the standard badge, Napoli simply reused their plain white match shorts from 25-26.