Who Wears Which Boot and Why? Nike 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 Mercurial 360 Heritage 2018 Boots | On-Pitch
Nike last week launched a special pack to celebrate all Nike Mercurial football boots of the past, the Nike iD Mercurial Heritage collection. From its debut in the 1998 World Cup in France to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Nike Mercurial Heritage iD soccer cleats were debuted by Nike's chosen players this weekend.
Players to Wear Nike Mercurial Heritage iD 2018 Boots Depending on Which Nation Won the World Cup That Year
Nike has carefully hand-picked the players to wear each specific boot depending on their nationality, and which nation won the World Cup that year. In example, Mbappe is wearing the 1998 Nike Mercurial football boot as France won the tournament in 1998 and Sane is wearing 2014 colorway because Germany won the tournament in Brazil.
Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele (France) are wearing the 1998 edition, Philippe Coutinho (Brazil) is wearing the 2002 design, Italy's Federico Chiesa is wearing the yellow 2006 edition, Real Madrid's Marco Asensio received the 2010 edition, while Leroy Sane is sporting the 2014 colorway.
1998 World Cup - Kylian Mbappe & Ousmane Dembele (Winner: France)
Debuted on the feet of Brazilian superdtar Ronaldo in 1998, the distinct silver, blue and yellow colorway of the first Mercurial made a lasting impact in the football world.
2002 World Cup - Philippe Coutinho (Winner: Brazil)
The aesthetic of the 2002 World Cup Mercurial is inspired by the world’s fastest production car of the time. The boot was worn by Ronaldo in Brazil's 2002 Word Cup triumph.
2006 World Cup - Federico Chiesa (Winner: Italy)
In 2006, the expectations were sky-high for Brazil. Ronaldo received a pair of special yellow and green Nike Mercurial Vapor III ready for the occasion.
2010 World Cup - Marco Asensio (Winner: Spain)
The 2010 Nike Mercurial World Cup cleat Nike featured an eye-catching combination of silver and orange.
2014 World Cup - Leroy Sane (Winner: Germany)
Headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Mercurial Superfly IV introduced the first Dynamic Fit Collar on a Mercurial. Mario Götze scored the World Cup-winning goal for Germany wearing the Nike Magista, the first-ever high-cut football boot, however.
Best release of the past few years? What do you think of the Nike Mercurial 2018 Heritage collection? Let us know in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
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2007/08 Real Madrid Cannavaro #5 C/L Third Shirt (XL) Adidas
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2017/18 Preston Nike Training Jacket (M)
2003/04 Vicenza De Martin #22 *Match Issue* Home Shirt (XL) Biemme
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2019/20 Valencia *BNWT* Stadium Shirt (S) Puma
Bad Tackle – Tote Bag
1992/94 Spain Home Shirt (L) Adidas
Portuguesa 2026 Third Kit Released - Tribute to Portugal Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Brazilian club Associação Portuguesa de Desportos, commonly known as Portuguesa, has officially launched its new third kit for the 2026 season. Produced by technical sponsor Joma, the new uniform pays direct homage to the Portuguese national team, celebrating the club's deep historical roots as Portugal prepares to compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The new Portuguesa 2026 third jersey closely mirrors the classic look of the Portuguese national team, featuring a vibrant crimson red base enhanced by subtle jacquard detailing that provides a sense of movement to the fabric. The shirt is structured with a classic polo collar adorned with red and white edging and a green front point insert. The sleeves remain red with contrasting green underarm panels, while the cuffs match the collar's red and white trim.
Further solidifying the international tribute, the official coat of arms of Portugal is prominently displayed on the nape of the neck above the white player numbering. The alternative uniform is completed by green shorts and red socks, finalizing the classic Portuguese color scheme.
The kit is set to make its on-pitch debut this Saturday, May 16th, in a match against Água Santa.
Athletico Paranaense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Athletico Paranaense and Umbro have officially launched the Brazilian club's new away jersey for the 2026-2027 season. It will make its on-pitch debut in the Copa do Brasil against Atlético Goianiense.
The new Athletico Paranaense 2026-2027 away kit is white, with the traditional team colors prominently featured through a striking red and black gradient effect applied across the shoulders.
The uniform is further detailed with various subtle graphic elements referencing the history and symbols of the club, which are placed on the inside of the collar, the back hem, and within the custom numbering.
Adidas x Coca-Cola is coming
The 2026 World Cup year will see Adidas cooperating with Coke for a special one. Stay tuned for more on Footy Headlines tonight
Rubin Kazan 2025-26 Chemist's Day Special Kit Released
Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan has officially unveiled a special-edition kit dedicated to the upcoming Chemist's Day. Created in collaboration with their general sponsor, Kazanorgsintez (one of Russia's largest chemical companies), the uniform is set to be worn during the club's final match of the 2025-2026 domestic season against Pari Nizhny Novgorod on May 17.
Produced in-house, the Rubin Kazan Chemist's Day kit introduces a fresh, delicate mint green base color, which is officially described as turquoise. The shirt's design is elevated by subtle textures and a geometric pattern directly inspired by the city's local urban infrastructure, specifically referencing the updated park territories around Lake Lebyazhye and the boulevard on Serova Street.
The club noted that the clean aesthetic was crafted with lifestyle appeal in mind.
The most striking elements of the kit are its bespoke thematic details that fully embrace the scientific motif. The collar features the special Russian slogan "Между нами химия" ("There is chemistry between us"). Additionally, in a brilliant nod to the holiday, the back of each player's shirt will display a unique chemical element from the periodic table that directly corresponds to their respective squad number.
What do you think of this creative periodic table concept and the mint colorway for Rubin Kazan's special kit? Let us know in the comments below.
