Milan Youngster Rafael Leão Has Apparently No Boot Contract
Feb 2, 2023, by Pat
Update: Images from AC Milan's training this week seem to confirm that Rafael Leão has not a contract currently. Instead, both Adidas and Nike seem to fight for the Portuguese striker.
Rafael Leão did not only lace up in the 11-year-old Nike EURO 2012 Mercurial football boots but also in the latest Nike Phantom GX and Adidas X Speedportal. This is a clear indicator that both Adidas and Nike want to sign the Milan youngster and that he is currently weighing his options.
Update: Out of total surprise, AC Milan striker Rafael Leão debuted the almost 11-year-old Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII 'Clash' Euro 2012 football boots during the team's match against Lazio on Sunday. They are the same boots worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and many other famous Mercurial players like Ibrahimovic and Ribery.
Rafael Leão met Nike superstar Cristiano on 15 January 2023
Rafael Leão Debuts Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 Clash Euro 2012 Boots
Picture via PHÂN TÍCH GIÀY.
Interestingly, Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo just met in Saudi Arabia on 15 January 2023.
Goodbye Adidas? Rafael Leão Wore Adidas X Speedportal Soccer Cleats On January 18 For The Last Time
The 21-year-old forward has been wearing Adidas boots for his entire senior career, but this recent move suggests that his partnership with the German sportswear giant has come to an end.
Adidas sponsored Rafael Leão for his entire career
Rafael Leão Trains in Blackout Nike Phantom GT & Nike Mercurial Future DNA Football Boots
Usually with Adidas, Rafael Leão could soon leave the brand after he was spotted wearing blackout and Nike boots in training recently. Thanks to @footballicons_360 for the heads-up.
First, Leão was pictured wearing what appears to be blacked-out Nike Phantom GT cleats.
The next day, he was less opaque about what his potential next brand could be, lacing up in the Nike Mercurial Vapor 'Future DNA', inspired by the iconic Nike Mercurial Superfly I. He even shared this specific picture on Instagram.
It will be interesting to see whether Rafael Leão will end up leaving Adidas in the end, and also which brand he will join next. Stay tuned for updates to this story as more details emerge.
Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below.
MSV Duisburg 26-27 Third Kit Released
Levante 26-27 Third Kit Released
Atlético Baleares 26-27 Away Kit Released
Segunda Federación side Atlético Baleares have introduced their away kit for 2026-27 season, made by Spanish brand Joma.
The design features a striking purple base with subtle geometric patterns all over the shirt, combined with turquoise as the secondary color for collar details, club crest and sponsor logos. Matching purple shorts and socks complete the set.
What do you think of the Atlético Baleares 2026-27 away kit? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
No More Umbro: Puma Santa Clara 26-27 Home Kit Released
Liga Portugal side Santa Clara have unveiled their first home kit with new partner Puma, replacing Umbro. The kit will be worn in the upcoming 2026-27 season.
The design uses simple template from the German brand, using traditional red as the main color. A striking dark red pattern is placed all over the front of the shirt, combined with red shorts and socks to round off a simple look for the first season of this partnership.
What do you think of the Santa Clara 2026-27 home kit? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
