Happy Birthday! Wayne Rooney's Boot History
One of our latest customs, bringing joy to writers and readers alike, has been to celebrate the birthdays of important players with an unique look at their respective careers, from a football boot standpoint.
Today's, or rather yesterday's birthday boy is Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who of course is one of the most well-known players carrying Nike's Swoosh. However, things started a bit differently.
Debut with Umbro
Making his Everton debut in the summer of 2002, Rooney actually started out wearing Umbro boots. It was until almost a year later that he signed his first Nike contract. He laced up in Nike cleats, the Air Zoom Total 90, for the first time in June 2003 in an international friendly against Serbia.
Swoosh loyalty
Since then, Rooney hasn't abandoned the Swoosh and went on to wear subsequent generations of the Total 90 up until it was discontinued at the end of the 2012-13 season. In a June 2013 friendly against Brazil, Rooney and Neymar were tasked with giving the all-new Hypervenom a dream debut, and Rooney contributed with an early wonder goal.
Hypervenom switch
Rooney is still wearing Nike Hypervenom boots today, having switched to the low-cut Phinish model when the second generation of the line was launched in 2015. It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for Rooney, but it looks like he'll finally receive his very first signature cleat soon.
Which of the boots Rooney has worn during his career is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2015/16 Burnley Away Shirt (XXXL) Puma
2012/13 USA Howard #1 *Player Issue* GK Shirt (L) Nike
1995/97 Nike *BNWT* Template Shirt (Multiple Sizes)
1993/94 AC Milan Savicevic #10 *BNWT* L/S Home Shirt (M) Lotto
2009/10 Barcelona Messi #10 Home Shirt (L) Nike
1990 Ennerre #16 Template Shirt (L)
1998/99 AC Milan Shevchenko #7 Home Shirt (M) Adidas
1992/94 Spain Home Shirt (L) Adidas
1988/90 Germany T-Shirt (S) Adidas
1990/92 England Third Shirt (L) Umbro
Stunning Fortuna Köln 2026 Regional Cup Final Kit Released
German side SC Fortuna Köln has released a highly limited special-edition kit to wear during their upcoming 2026 Mittelrheinpokal final. Produced by Dutch sportswear brand Robey, this exclusive release celebrates the club's first appearance in the regional cup final in six years, as they look to secure the trophy for the first time in 13 years.
The Robey SC Fortuna Köln 2026 Cup Final shirt introduces a striking tri-color gradient design that provides a highly bespoke look for the occasion. The top of the jersey begins in a deep navy blue, smoothly fading into a vibrant light blue chest band before transitioning into a clean white lower half.
Adding a premium, historic touch to the kit, all application details - including the Robey manufacturer branding, the central 'HIT' sponsor, and a classic standalone 'F' retro crest - are executed in metallic gold. A subtle light blue V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs complete the sophisticated aesthetic.
Priced at €75, this exclusive release serves as a unique collector's item for supporters of the Regionalliga West side. Curiously, while releasing this kit, the club has actively pushed an "All in Red" (Alle in Rot) motto for the fans attending the match, asking supporters to create a sea of red in the stands despite the team wearing their special-edition colors on the pitch.
What are your thoughts on this striking gradient Cup Final kit by Robey? Let us know in the comments below.
Aston Villa to Wear Third Kit with Charity Sponsor in Europa League Final
Aston Villa has officially confirmed they will wear their 2025-2026 Adidas third kit for the upcoming UEFA Europa League Final against SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
The decision was made due to a direct kit clash with the German side's traditional all-red home strip, forcing the Premier League club out of their iconic claret and blue. Furthermore, due to strict betting licensing regulations in Turkey, the club's principal partner, Betano, cannot be legally displayed on the jerseys. In response, the space is used by the Aston Villa Foundation for the historic showpiece event.
This special-edition jersey also features the Aston Villa Foundation branding across the chest in matching purple typography, sitting just below a commemorative Match ID text that marks the May 20 final at Besiktas Park.
Recognizing the historical significance of this unique uniform, the club is making the charity edition available to the public. Supporters can purchase these limited-edition shirts, complete with the foundation branding and central match details, in both authentic and replica versions from official club stores.
This rare combination of an alternate kit, a one-off charity sponsor, and European final detailing instantly makes this release a highly sought-after piece for shirt collectors.
