RUMORS: Cristiano Ronaldo Unhappy With Nike?
Jan 18, 2024, by Phan Tich Giay
- 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.
Benfica Renew Adidas Kit Deal Until 2033 in Record €120M Agreement
Benfica and Adidas have officially announced a six-year extension to their kit supplier partnership, committing the German brand to the Lisbon giants through 2033. Beginning in 2027 when the previous agreement concludes, the new deal is reportedly worth €120 million over six years, translating to around €20 million per season. This doubles the club's previous annual earnings from Adidas and represents the most lucrative kit sponsorship deal in Portuguese football history.
A central pillar of the expanded contract is Adidas acquiring the naming rights to Benfica's acclaimed youth training and development centre in Seixal, which has been officially renamed the adidas Benfica Campus. The rebranding coincides with the 20th anniversary of the complex, which first opened in 2006. Benfica and the Three Stripes already paid tribute to the academy's legacy through the design of their 26-27 home and third kits.
The partnership between Benfica and Adidas remains one of the longest continuous kit supply relationships in world football. After an initial stint between 83-84 and 89-90, the German brand has outfitted the club continuously since the 97-98 campaign. By the end of this new extension in 2033, the two sides will have completed 36 consecutive seasons together.
Retro 1980s Aesthetic: Newcastle United 26-27 Originals Retro Collection Released
Adidas and Newcastle United have officially released their latest retro lifestyle capsule, dubbed the adidas Originals Culturewear collection. Taking heavy inspiration from the club's classic 1980s training wear, the collection was first showcased on first-team players arriving ahead of Premier League action before rolling out for Mags+ members and hitting general sale.
The range adopts a clean color palette of dark navy, white, and subtle light blue accents. A defining highlight across every piece is the use of Newcastle United's iconic circular 1980s crest—originally seen between 1983 and 1988—paired alongside the classic embroidered adidas Trefoil emblem. The capsule features a standout long-sleeve white jersey boasting a tonal jacquard pattern, a color-blocked zip-up track top, a matching navy hoodie, a chest-band graphic t-shirt, and straight-leg track pants. The lineup is completed by a matching pair of adidas Handball Spezial sneakers crafted in light blue suede with a gum sole.
Arnaut Danjuma Still Wearing Adidas F50 Adizero IV 'Battle' Remake Boots
Dutch attacker Arnaut Danjuma is proving that great boots never go out of style, as he continues to lace up in the reissued Adidas F50 Adizero IV from the 2014 World Cup Battle Pack. While most professional players frequently rotate into the newest generation speed models, Danjuma has maintained an impressive loyalty to the limited-edition retro release years after its drop.
The boot in question is the 2022 Speed Legacy Pack remake of the legendary F50 Adizero IV, which originally dominated the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on the feet of top scorers like James Rodríguez, Robin van Persie, and Thomas Müller. The reissue faithfully revived the distinctive black-and-white geometric upper pattern with metallic gold three stripes, while modernizing the underfoot tech with the lightweight Carbitex Speedframe tooling borrowed from the X Speedflow.
Rosario Central 26-27 Third Kit Released
Rosario Central and Le Coq Sportif have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 campaign. Named "La Calesita," the jersey completes a special collection celebrating the centenary of the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, paying tribute to the ground's architecture and the vibrant atmosphere created by the club's supporters.
The Le Coq Sportif Rosario Central 26-27 third shirt moves away from traditional blue and yellow stripes in favor of a deep dark petrol base, accented by bright yellow paneling along the shoulders and sleeves. Running vertically down the front is a perspective graphic inspired by stadium seating, creating an expanding vanishing point that evokes the scale of the Gigante de Arroyito and the sweeping movement of the famous "calesita" banners hung by the fans.
Crafted from Jacquard polyester fabric, the jersey is finished with a two-tone V-neck collar, high-definition embroidered club crests, and a specialized authenticity seal that reveals UV-reactive Le Coq Sportif details. Dark petrol shorts and vibrant yellow socks complete the new Rosario Central 26-27 third kit.
Reggina 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Italian club AS Reggina 1914 and technical partner Givova have officially unveiled the club's new home, away, and goalkeeper kits for the 26-27 season. Drawing profound inspiration from the historical landmarks and archaeological heritage of Reggio Calabria, each shirt tells a distinct story rooted in local identity.
The Reggina 26-27 home kit arrives in the club's traditional amaranto shade, decorated with an intricate geometric graphic on the front panel inspired by the ancient Roman Baths of Reggio Calabria. Givova's white logos sit on the chest and sleeves, matching the kit's clean numbering and completing an all-amaranto look with coordinating shorts and socks.
For the away strip, Givova delivers a predominantly white design accented by an amaranto collar, side panels, and sleeve trim. The front of the shirt features subtle vertical band patterns drawn from the ornate mosaics at the Roman Villa of Casignana, accompanied by a retro 1990s-style club badge. Completing the set, the goalkeeper kit stands out in vibrant green, adorned with claret details and a striking circular motif portraying Calabria's traditional apotropaic masks.
Adidas Flamengo 26-27 EQT Collection Released
Adidas and Flamengo have officially launched the club's new Equipment (EQT) retro collection, making the Rubro-Negro the first Brazilian club to receive the iconic line. Inspired by the brand's seminal 1991 and 1992 aesthetics, the 1990s-themed capsule ditches the modern CRF monogram in favor of Flamengo's historic rowing crest with crossed oars and an anchor, placed alongside the classic Adidas Trefoil text logo. The lifestyle collection features five pieces including a color-blocked windbreaker jacket, crewneck sweatshirt, track pants, and graphic t-shirts in the club's signature red, black, and white color scheme.
Go Ahead Eagles 26-27 Third Kit Released
Dutch Eredivisie club Go Ahead Eagles and technical sponsor Stanno have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 2026-27 season. Named "Our Holy Waters," the design serves as a thematic companion to this season's "Our Holy Ground" home and away jerseys, shifting the focus to the club's deep connection with the IJssel river.
The Stanno Go Ahead Eagles 26-27 third shirt is built around an off-white base with fine vertical pinstripes running down the front. The centerpiece of the design is a detailed historic cog ship illustration across the torso, celebrating the Hanseatic maritime history of Deventer. Rich forest green decorates the folded collar and sleeve cuffs, complemented by gold trim and "GAE" lettering embroidered on the collar insert. Sponsor logos and branding appear in a metallic copper-bronze shade, alongside a recolored green and gold club crest.
Matching off-white shorts with green side piping and socks featuring the club's eagle crest complete the full kit. The Go Ahead Eagles 2026-27 third kit is available to purchase immediately through the club's official online store.