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.