Virgil Van Dijk & Bruno Fernandes Wear "Second-Tier" Nike Tiempo Ligera Boots
Feb 15, 2026, by Phan Tich Giay
- Player Preference: Virgil van Dijk and Bruno Fernandes have been seen wearing the second-tier Nike Tiempo Ligera boots, a departure from the top-tier Tiempo Maestro favored by most Nike athletes.
- Boot Design: While both the Tiempo Maestro and Ligera feature Nike's new TechLeather upper, the Ligera offers a more traditional construction that appeals to players like Van Dijk who prefer a classic feel.
- Nike's Strategy: Nike is developing the Ligera parallel to the Maestro, offering exclusive colorways to cater to players who want the new TechLeather material in a traditional silhouette.
Update: After Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has become the next high-profile player to wear the second-tier Nike Tiempo Ligera soccer cleats. The regular of the Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots wore the classy black, white, and gold colorway of the Nike Tiempo Ligera Pro soccer cleats in training only so far.
Bruno Fernandes' and Virgil van Dijk's choice confirm that the second-tier Nike Tiempo 2026 football boots (called Ligera Pro) are not the usual takedown. Instead, they are a football boot priced at a second-tier level but actually a top model with different tech than the high-priced elite, but not worse and not a takedown. For example, they are way lighter than the Maestro Elite (168g vs 198g in Size 7).
Bruno Fernandes Trains in Black/White/Gold Nike Tiempo Ligera Pro Soccer Cleats
Jan 30, 2026: In a move that has baffled boot spotters, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been spotting wearing a version of the next-gen Nike Tiempo that technically shouldn't be on the feet of an elite player. Thanks to @bootsclub for the images.
Virgil Van Dijk Wears Second-Tier Nike Tiempo Ligera
Until now, every major Nike athlete switching to the new generation of Tiempo has laced up the Tiempo Maestro, the brand's designated Elite (Tier 1) model.
However, Van Dijk is currently the only high-profile player opting to play in the Tiempo Ligera.
According to Nike's official segmentation, the Ligera is classified as the Pro (Tier 2) model. It is extremely rare to see a world-class defender, and one of Nike's key assets, ditching the top-spec boot for a takedown version in official matches.
Classic Feel vs. Modern Tech?
Why would VVD make this choice? The answer likely lies in the design philosophy rather than the price tag.
- Shared Tech: Both the Maestro (Elite) and Ligera (Pro) feature Nike's synthetic TechLeather upper, marking a full departure from K-Leather for the silo.
- The Difference: While the Maestro pushes modern innovation, the Ligera features a much more traditional, classic construction. Van Dijk, known for his no-nonsense approach, may simply prefer the "old-school" fit and stitching of the Ligera over the high-tech engineering of the Maestro.
Nike's Unique Strategy for Ligera
It appears Nike is treating the Ligera as more than just a "cheap" alternative. The brand seems to be developing the Ligera parallel to the Maestro to cater to traditionalists.
Evidence of this strategy is found in the colorways. Nike has released two exclusive colorways (Black/Gold and White/Red/Black) that are available only for the Ligera and not the high-end Maestro.
This suggests that Nike acknowledges a specific market, including players like Van Dijk - who want the new TechLeather material but packaged in a traditional silhouette.
What do you think of Van Dijk wearing second-tier boots? Would you choose the Ligera over the Maestro? Let us know in the comments.
Chelsea 26-27 Away Kit Debuted
Chelsea have officially debuted their new 26-27 away kit during their pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Made by Nike, the new change strip features a solid black base paired with Midwest Gold trim, marking the club's return to a predominantly black away design.
The shirt features a minimalist standalone gold lion crest on the chest, replacing the full traditional club badge. Gold piping traces the shoulder seams and side panels, while an intricate gold laurel wreath graphic borders the collar and sleeve cuffs to match design elements on Chelsea's 26-27 home kit.
Adidas Croatia 26-27 Home & Away Kits Spotted in Retail Stores
Following the official conclusion of Croatia's 26-year partnership with Nike on July 31, 2026, the national team's first-ever modern Adidas collection has started reaching store shelves. Images shared by jersey community @Jerseyforum reveal the all-new Adidas Croatia 26-27 home and away jerseys on display at an Alpen sports store in Tokyo, Japan.
The 26-27 home kit retains the country's iconic red and white checkerboard pattern, featuring subtle Glagolitic script graphics embedded within the checkers alongside a classic blue Adidas Performance logo and tricolor collar and cuff detailing. In contrast, the away jersey comes in EQT blue with vibrant red-orange accents and shoulder stripes, incorporating an intricate traditional lace-making pattern across the front and the iconic Adidas Trefoil logo on the chest.
With the multi-year deal officially launched on August 1, 2026, under the "Checkers Meet Stripes" campaign, these store sightings give fans a full early look at the physical shirts. The full range is expected to be formally launched ahead of Croatia's UEFA Nations League matches in September 2026.
US Boulogne 26-27 Away Kit Released
French Ligue 2 club US Boulogne have officially unveiled the 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt was released on August 1 and presented against the scenic backdrop of the Boulonnais region.
The Jako US Boulogne 2026-27 away shirt features a white base covered with an abstract red geometric line pattern across the front and sleeves. Black detailing on the crew neck and sleeve cuffs complements the black Jako logo, sponsor branding and centrally positioned club crest, creating a bold and contemporary look.
What do you think of the new US Boulogne 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
FC Bayern Reveal Special 26-27 Asian Tour Kit Fonts
FC Bayern München has officially unveiled two special-edition shirt namesets for their 26-27 pre-season Audi Summer Tour across South Korea and Hong Kong. Designed in collaboration with adidas and Hypebeast, the custom flocking designs will be worn on Bayern's 26-27 home and away kits during their friendly matches against Jeju SK and Aston Villa.
Each fixture features a unique font design rooted in local art and traditional culture. For the match on Jeju Island, South Korean artist Dohee Kwon created a design inspired by Gime, a traditional paper craft unique to Jeju that is tied to local rituals, incorporating sun and moon graphics into the numbers. For the friendly in Hong Kong, local artist Kristopher Ho crafted a gold-accented font featuring dragon motifs inspired by ancient Chinese aesthetics.
Both special-edition kit fonts are limited releases tied directly to the tour. The Jeju nameset is available exclusively at official pop-up stores on Jeju Island, while the Hong Kong font is sold solely through FC Bayern pop-up stores and partner retail locations in Greater China.
CD Nacional 26-27 Home Kit Released
Portuguese club CD Nacional and Kappa have officially revealed the team's new home kit for the 26-27 season.
The CD Nacional 26-27 home shirt stays true to tradition with classic black and white vertical stripes running across the front, back, and sleeves. Kappa adds striking contrast with bright yellow accents, featuring yellow Omni logos along the shoulders and sleeves that match the brand logo on the chest and the main sponsor logo, CORAL Cerveja. The design is rounded off with a black v-neck style collar featuring the club's founding year, 1910, printed inside.
Black shorts with yellow side taping and black socks with white Kappa logos complete the new CD Nacional 26-27 home uniform.
CA Aldosivi 26-27 Third Kit Released
Argentinian side Club Atlético Aldosivi and Kappa Argentina have officially launched the club's new 26-27 third kit, named 'LOS PRINCIPIOS' (The Principles). Designed as an homage to the roots of the Mar del Plata club, the jersey draws direct inspiration from the ocean, family, and the traditional fishing community that shapes the identity of the neighborhood.
The Kappa Aldosivi 26-27 third shirt features a teal and sea green base layered with an all-over graphic print that mimics moving ocean water. White details provide contrast, including the front sponsor logo, a simplified outline version of the club badge on the chest, and classic Kappa Omini logo taping running along the shoulders.
The release campaign was filmed on location in the port of Mar del Plata featuring local workers and scenery. The Aldosivi 26-27 third jersey is available now via official club retail outlets.