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.
Chelsea 26-27 Home Kit Leaked
Based on leaked details from myach_lab, our partner @whatthekit_x have created a mockup of the Chelsea 2026-27 shirt. The design combines a blue base with yellow details and a distinctive checkered sleeve pattern, while the Nike and Chelsea logos are placed centrally. The simplified lion crest from this season is also retained.
Bayern München 27-28 Away Kit New Prediction
Based on the leaked information, the kit designer JMFK have created the another prediction of the Adidas FC Bayern München 2027-2028 away kit. Please note that this design remains highly speculative.
No More Volt: Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 Third Kit Released
Brazilian club Santa Cruz FC and Reebok have officially unveiled the team's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Titled "A Profecia de 57", the special-edition release celebrates two defining moments in the club's history: the 1957 anthem written by Capiba that coined the nickname "O Terror do Nordeste", and the 2016 Copa do Nordeste title that fulfilled the prophecy ten years ago.
The Reebok Santa Cruz 26-27 third jersey introduces an elegant black and gold design. Across the black base, intricate golden fractured lines trace the geographical outline of Brazil's Northeast region. The front of the shirt features Santa Cruz's classic interlocking SCFC monogram badge rendered in metallic gold, mirrored by Reebok's vector logo on the opposite side. A sharp v-neck collar with gold trim and matching sleeve cuffs complete the look.
Subtle commemorative emblems highlighting "A Profecia de 57" and "O Terror do Nordeste" decorate the release alongside gold numbering on the reverse. Matching black shorts and socks with gold accents complete the new Santa Cruz third uniform.
