What Has Happened to Nike Football?
- Nike's Peak: Nike's football division was at its best in 2014 with the release of innovative knitted boots.
- Recent Issues: Nike's current football boots have quality issues, such as the logo detaching, and problems with the collar design, leading to players like Cristiano Ronaldo modifying them.
- Lost Deals: Despite the Germany kit deal, Nike has lost several significant football deals, suggesting a decline in their investment in men's football.
Ten years ago, for the 2014 World Cup, Nike possibly reached its prime in football - the brand released the first knitted football boots with socks, letting Adidas look like a trash brand (Adidas released a horrendous full-sock boot, the Adidas Primeknit FS). Now, in 2024, Nike's performance in football raises questions.
Cristiano Ronaldo Wears Nike Mercurial Boots With Defect & Custom Cut-Off Collar
Cristiano Ronaldo finally switched to the green Nieke Mercurial football boots. However, he faced the same problem as other players of the Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 8 football boots. The Swoosh (so far only partly) comes off, possibly caused by players heating their boots ahead of games.
CR7's hot water trick could cause the brandings to come off
CR7 is well-known for his hot water trick to break in boots faster, which could cause the brandings to come off.
Cristiano Ronaldo also cut off the collar of his Nike Mercurial Superfly boots, which is greatly visible in the pictures.
Ten years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo was also not happy with the collar of the Nike Mercurial Superfly boots. Back then, Nike provided CR7 with a customized version of the Superfly with a lower collar. Today, Cristiano Ronaldo has to cut off the collar himself.
Performance-wise, there are apparently no problems with the Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 8 cleats - CR7 scored two hattricks in the first two games wearing them.
Nike Has Also Messed Up With Its Collars
Nike's Germany deal is the big exception
Nike also lost several important deals, including the ball supplier deals with Serie A, La Liga, Premier League, Copa America, and Copa Libertadores. The big exception is the deal signed with Germany.
What do you think of Nike's recent development in football? Let us know in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2012/13 Burnley (Ian Woan) *Staff Issue* Puma Training Polo (M)
2000/01 Farnborough Town Home Shirt (XL) Branded
2022/23 PSG *BNWT* Authentic Home Shirt (M) Nike
2007/08 Real Madrid Guti Haz #14 Home Shirt (M) Adidas
2014/15 Bayern Munich Ribery #7 Third Shirt (L) Adidas
2012/13 Catolica Del Chile *Signed* Away Shirt (S) Puma
2003/04 Juventus Del Piero #10 L/S Home Shirt (L) Nike
2019/20 Club America Home Shirt (M) Nike
2004/05 Etzella Ettelbruck #3 Home Shirt (XL) Nike
2009/10 Cardiff City L/S Home Shirt (XL) Puma
UEFA Unveil Official 2026 Champions League Final Jersey for Budapest
UEFA have officially unveiled the commemorative jersey for the 2026 Champions League final, set to take place at the Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026. The limited-edition shirt celebrates the culture and architecture of Budapest, combining local inspiration with signature Champions League branding.
The jersey features a modern graphic design with abstract paint-splatter effects and architectural references inspired by the Hungarian capital. On the front, the shirt includes a stylized illustration of the Puskás Arena alongside the iconic Champions League starball logo, while the official Budapest 2026 final emblem appears centrally on the design. The back carries the number “26”, completing the event-specific identity.
UEFA will make the shirt available through the official Champions League store and selected retailers in Budapest ahead of the final. The jersey will also appear in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team during a special in-game campaign running from May 23 to 30.
What do you think of UEFA’s official Budapest 2026 final jersey? Let us know in the comments below.
Jeonbuk Hyundai 2026 ‘Black Label’ Special Kit Released
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have revealed a new “Black Label” special kit, described by the club as an “unexpected charm” inspired by darkness, gold accents and a more intense visual identity.
The special edition was created together with artists Lee Yongwoo and Pipimik. According to the club, the design combines a quieter and more refined mood with stronger visual impact.
There is also a yellow kit - this serves as the keeper.
The “Black Label” jersey will first go on sale at the official club store from May 15 to 17 before an online release from May 19 to 21. Players are set to debut the shirt on May 17 against Gimcheon Sangmu FC.
FC Sion x Lydie&Sasha 26-26 Special Kit Released
FC Sion have unveiled a special-edition kit for the final home game of the 2025-26 season against FC Lugano. The unique shirt was created in collaboration with Valais-based graphic designers Lydie Sarrasin and Sasha Piaia, continuing the club’s recent tradition of working with local artists on special kits.
The design boasts a very more modern look. According to FC Sion, the shirt is intended as a bridge between generations, mixing classic football aesthetics with forward-looking visual elements. The kit will be worn in the final home match at the Stade de Tourbillon.
The limited-edition shirt will be sold exclusively on matchday in the stadium fanshop
FC Luzern 125th Anniversary 26-27 Home Kit Released
FC Luzern have unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit, debuting it in the final home game against FC Zürich. Made by Erreà, the new shirt replaces the traditional white details with gold elements, giving the kit a darker and more elegant appearance for the club’s 125th anniversary season.
The new FC Luzern home shirt features a deep navy base combined with gold logos, names and numbers, while subtle ornamental graphics inspired by the Rathaussteg bridge connect the design to the city of Lucerne. A special anniversary crest can also be added to the sleeve.
The red sponsor logo breaks up the design - the Luzern Women team kit comes with a much nicer gold sponsor.
The move away from white is a temporary one, with the club stressing that blue and white remain the official colours of FC Luzern.
What do you think of the new FC Luzern 2026-27 home kit? Let us know in the comments below.
