The Folded Tongue is Back: Next-Gen Nike Tiempo Maestro Prototype Spotted on Virgil Van Dijk
- Virgil Van Dijk Spotted: Virgil van Dijk was seen wearing a whiteout prototype of the next-gen Nike Tiempo Maestro boots during Liverpool's training session.
- Folded Tongue Returns: The next-gen Nike Tiempo Maestro boots will feature the return of the classic folded tongue, a signature element of the Tiempo line that was discontinued in 2009.
- Two Versions Available: Nike will offer two versions of the Tiempo Maestro: a standard version without a folded tongue and a version with the classic folded tongue, similar to Adidas Predator.
In a massive spot from Liverpool's latest training session, defender Virgil van Dijk has been caught wearing a whiteout prototype of the upcoming next-gen Nike Tiempo Maestro.
Next-Gen Nike Tiempo Maestro Boots Feature Folded Tongue
The next-gen Nike Tiempo Maestro prototype shoes that Van Dijk is wearing look similar to the regular prototype version, but it’s equipped with an additional classic fold-over tongue.
The photos confirm what many traditionalists have been dreaming of: the iconic folded tongue is officially making a comeback to the Tiempo silo.
Folded Tongue is Back
The return of the folded tongue is a significant moment for Nike Tiempo. This feature was once the signature of the Tiempo line, famously worn by legends like Ronaldinho and Francesco Totti.
However, Nike killed off the feature in 2009 with the release of the Tiempo Legend IV in an effort to modernize and streamline the boot. Now, after a 16-year hiatus, the flap is back for the 2026 generation.
Two Versions: Standard vs. Folded Tongue
It appears Nike will adopt a strategy similar to the Adidas Predator, offering different constructions for the same boot.
- Standard Version: As seen previously on players like Arda Güler, the standard Tiempo Maestro will feature a modern, tongue-less or short-tongue construction.
- Folded Tongue Version: As seen on Van Dijk, this variation features the classic flap covering the laces for a cleaner striking surface and a retro aesthetic.
The next-gen Nike Tiempo Maestro is scheduled to launch in early 2026.
Are you happy to see the folded tongue return to the Tiempo? Will you be choosing the standard or the folded version? Let us know in the comments below.
FC Barcelona to Launch 26-27 Home Kit in Early July
FC Barcelona and Nike have officially agreed to schedule the launch of their 2026-2027 home kit for early July. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the club made this strategic decision because the current 25-26 jerseys are still generating massive sales figures following a highly successful campaign.
Following the home release, the highly anticipated away kit is scheduled to launch in late July, just in time to debut during the squad's pre-season tour. This secondary strip will introduce a striking black and purple colorway and is confirmed to be released under Nike's special Kobe Bryant sub-label. The club's 26-27 wardrobe will then be completed in the second half of August with the official launch of a fresh turquoise green third kit.
While fans wait for the new collection, current shirt sales continue to soar at the official stadium store, with Lamine Yamal comfortably topping the charts ahead of departed club legend Robert Lewandowski.
Which of the three upcoming Barcelona 26-27 designs are you most excited to purchase? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Toronto Police Seize Record 16,000+ Counterfeit Shirts Worth CA$3.5M
Toronto police have carried out the largest seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history, recovering more than 16,000 fake items with FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma branding, as well as flags and two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. The haul has an estimated street value of CA$3.5 million and includes replicas of Team Canada, Argentina, Portugal and Croatia kits. Two suspects, 41-year-old Ramy Jaber and 62-year-old Walid Sarhan, were arrested after police acted on a tip about a Mississauga warehouse and executed a search warrant.
The pair allegedly supplied the fraudulent merchandise to retail stores through a legitimate trading company, with customers charged full price under the impression they were buying authentic products. Some NFL jerseys were also recovered in the operation.
Story via @PhilPerkinsCP24.
Spain Confirm 2026 World Cup Squad Numbers
Spain have confirmed the squad numbers for their 26 players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Coach Luis de la Fuente's team will wear these numbers throughout the tournament as they aim for a second title, opening against Cabo Verde on June 15 in Atlanta.
The confirmed numbers are:
1: David Raya
2: Marc Pubill
3: Alejandro Grimaldo
4: Eric García
5: Marcos Llorente
6: Mikel Merino
7: Ferran Torres
8: Fabián Ruiz
9: Gavi
10: Dani Olmo
11: Yeremy Pino
12: Pedro Porro
13: Joan García
14: Aymeric Laporte
15: Álex Baena
16: Rodri
17: Nico Williams
18: Martín Zubimendi
19: Lamine Yamal
20: Pedri
21: Mikel Oyarzabal
22: Pau Cubarsí
23: Unai Simón
24: Marc Cucurella
25: Víctor Muñoz
26: Borja Iglesias.
Bursaspor 26-27 Kits Released - Massive Five-Kit Collection by New Balance
Turkish club Bursaspor and technical sponsor New Balance have yet again gone all out for the 2026-2027 season, officially releasing an extensive collection of five distinct kit designs at once.
The collection heavily explores Bursaspor's iconic green and white color palette through four different primary patterns. The drop includes a horizontal and a vertical striped shirt, a sleek dark green option with thin white pinstripes, a striking half-and-half design, as well as a sleek cream and green kit.
With such a wide variety of designs to choose from, which of the five new New Balance Bursaspor 26-27 kits is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.