RUMORS: Cristiano Ronaldo Unhappy With Nike?
- Ronaldo's Boot Choice: Cristiano Ronaldo has been training and playing in older versions of Nike Mercurial boots, instead of the latest models, which is unusual for him.
- MDS 007 Absence: Ronaldo has not worn the Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 7 boots, and the final product lacks a CR7 badge on the rear instep that was present on prototypes.
- Nike Cost Cutting: Nike plans to cut costs by $2 billion over the next 3 years, ending their partnership with Tiger Woods, which may mean changes are to come in other endorsements.
Despite being Nike's top ambassador and having signed a lifetime contract with the brand, it seems that recently, Cristiano Ronaldo has been unhappy with Nike.
Cristiano Ronaldo Trains in Old Colorway Mercurial Boots
During a recent training session with Al Nassr, Ronaldo surprised and intrigued us when he returned to wearing the Mercurial Superfly 9 'Blast' - the old colorway of the 'Blast' collection that was released one year ago (January 16, 2023).
Not only that, but from August 2023 until now, Ronaldo has only worn the Mercurial Superfly 9 'Ready' boot and not the newly released shoes (Peak Ready collection and MDS 007). This is rather strange, as in the past Ronaldo has often been the first player to wear Nike's latest boots.
The strangest thing is that Ronaldo is not wearing Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 7 boots (the MDS boot line is inspired by Ronaldo's own design). In the past, Ronaldo was often the first player to wear MDS boots when they were released by Nike.
What is possibly most strange is that prototypes of the Dream Speed 7 soccer cleats featured a special CR7 badge on the rear instep, which was removed for the final product. It is not known why it was removed. The CR7 branding is still present on the insole.
Things got even weirder when Ronaldo returned to wearing Mercurial 'Blast' boots in 2024. This makes us wonder if Ronaldo is unhappy with Nike?
Recently, Nike announced that it plans to cut more costs in the future by saving $2 billion over the next 3 years. The latest move is that Nike has announced the end of its partnership with Tiger Woods after 27 years.
Although Ronaldo currently has a lifetime contract with Nike, is he part of Nike's upcoming cost-cutting plan? No one knows for sure.
Do you think Ronaldo is unhappy with Nike or does he just like wearing white Mercurials, which is why he is wearing the Superfly 9 'Blast' again? Leave your comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1989/91 Celtic Home Shirt (M) Umbro
2017/18 Manchester United Home Shirt (S) Adidas
2019/20 Everton Calvert Lewin #9 L/S Third Shirt (L) Umbro
2014/15 Real Madrid Ronaldo #7 Away Shirt (XL) Adidas
1998/99 Cameroon Eto'o #9 Prototype Home Shirt (L) Puma
1998/99 Tiburones Veracruz Home Shirt (XL) Atletica
1995/97 Adidas GK 'Terminator' Template Shirt (S)
2002/04 Arsenal Henry #14 Away Shirt (XL) Nike
2002/03 Valencia Carew #7 Home Shirt (M) Nike
