Aubameyang Switches to Nike Mercurial Ronaldo R9 Tribute Boots
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is contracted to Nike, and has been for many years. Unlike most players however, he doesn't always wear the latest colourway or even model of what the brand has to offer. This week, he opted for a pair of Nike Mercurial Vapor XVs, released in 2013 to mark the 15 year anniversary of Ronaldo's 1998 World Cup Mercurials.
Aubameyang Wears 2013 Mercurial Vapor XV
The Gabonese international laced up a pair of 9 year old Vapors for training with Barcelona this week, before giving them their match debut in the 2-1 victory over Real Betis on Saturday night. The Mercurial Vapor XV carry the wavy design and a slightly modernized colourway (the original yellow is replaced by volt) of the very first Mercurials from 1998, made famous by Ronaldo's amazing performances at that year's World Cup.
Aubameyang had previously worn the Nike Mercurial Superfly Heritage and Heritage id from 2018 and 2016 respectively, which bore the same design, but he had never previously sported the low cut Vapor version from 2013. He actually wore the Mercurial Heritage id regularly in the first half of the 21-22 season for Arsenal.
Known as a fan of customised and older models, throughout the course of his career he has played in Swarovski crystal-encrusted Vapors, Dragonball Z designs and custom paintjobs in the colours of his clubs and country. Check out some of the most standout pairs from his personal collection below.
Where do you rank the Mercurial Vapor XV among Aubameyang's other boots? Comment below.
FC Tiamo Hirakata 26-27 Home Kit Released
Japanese Football League side FC Tiamo Hirakata has officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit, produced by sportswear brand Jogarbola. The release introduces a cracking design under the club's Reborn campaign for the upcoming JFL season, symbolizing a new beginning for the club.
Brighton to Wear 125th Anniversary Kit Against Arsenal
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed they will wear their limited-edition Nike 125th anniversary kit during their 2026-27 match against Arsenal in September 2026. The special shirt, which was initially released in May 2026 and draws inspiration from the club's original 1901 kit, will be showcased on the pitch to celebrate the club's founding milestone. Although the official anniversary falls on June 24, the commemorative fixture against the Gunners has been selected as the dedicated anniversary match where the team will debut the historic design.
Nike Creates Personalized Mercurial 2026 World Cup Boots for Kylian Mbappé's France Goalscoring Record
Kylian Mbappé has officially cemented his legacy as the greatest goalscorer in the history of the French national team, surpassing Olivier Giroud to take the top spot. To celebrate this historic milestone of reaching 58 international goals, Nike has presented the star forward with a personalized pair of Mercurial Superfly 11 boots. This special edition footwear arrives just in time as Mbappé prepares to make his 100th appearance for Les Bleus.
The custom Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Mbappé 2026 World Cup boots features a distinct "58" lightly printed on the lateral side of the heel, representing his record-breaking goal tally. Additionally, a small French tricolor flag is prominently positioned near the heel collar, paying direct homage to his national team.
