Disguised Swoosh! Vini Jr Trains in Next-Gen 2026 Nike Mercurial Prototype Boots
Mar 21, 2026, by Chris
- Prototype Boots: Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde have provided the first look at the next-generation 2026 Nike Mercurial football boots.
- Disguised Logo: Nike is using a fake chevron logo instead of the iconic Swoosh on these whiteout prototypes to mask the upcoming boots, a tactic they started in late 2025.
- Boot Variations: Vinicius Jr. tested the low-cut Nike Mercurial Vapor 17, while Federico Valverde tested the high-cut Nike Mercurial Superfly, with an expected release in the summer of 2026 featuring a pink, white, and black design.
Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde have given us an exciting first on-pitch look at the next-generation 2026 Nike Mercurial football boots. However, Nike has employed a clever trick to try to hide their identity.
Next-Gen 2026 Nike Mercurial Prototypes - Disguised Logo
Here is a closer look at the whiteout prototypes worn by Vinicius Jr.
In a deliberate move to mask the upcoming boots, Nike has opted not to use its iconic Swoosh on these whiteout prototypes. Instead, the brand has faked the logo, replacing it with a large, angular shape that strongly resembles a chevron (>).
This is not the first time the American sportswear giant has used this tactic. Nike started to heavily distort or alter the Swoosh on their prototype boots in late 2025, attempting to throw boot spotters and fans off the scent during early testing phases.
Vapor 17 vs. Superfly
During the training session at Valdebebas, the Real Madrid duo apparently tested the two different variations of the upcoming generation:
Vinicius Jr. laced up in the low-cut version, which will be officially known as the Nike Mercurial Vapor 17.
Federico Valverde was spotted testing the high-cut, Dynamic Fit collar version, the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly.
Despite the disguised whiteout look on the training pitch, we already have a glimpse of what to expect when the boots officially drop. As seen in the leaked comparison images, the launch colorway of the next-gen 2026 Mercurial is set to boast a striking pink, white, and black design.
The next-generation Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 and Superfly are set to be officially released in the summer of 2026.
What do you think of Nike using fake chevron logos to disguise their prototype boots? Are you excited for the next-gen Mercurial Vapor 17 and Superfly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Novara 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian Serie C side Novara FC and technical partner Erreà have officially released the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Following the release of their traditional azzurro home strip earlier in the summer, the new third shirt delivers a stealthy, understated alternative aesthetic for the current campaign.
The Erreà Novara 26-27 third jersey is built on a solid black base and adopts a full monochrome palette. Instead of the standard club crest, the chest features Novara's historic crossed shield rendered in clean white embroidery. Erreà's logos on the right chest and shoulders, alongside long-time front-of-shirt sponsor Igor Gorgonzola and secondary partners Cristanini Viaggi and Intesa Pour Homme, are similarly applied in monochrome white.
Completing the strip, matching black shorts and black socks with white accents and crest detailing round off the uniform for the 26-27 Serie C campaign.
RB Linense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish Tercera Federación side Real Balompédica Linense, popularly known as La Balona, has officially unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season. Produced by long-term technical partner Hummel, the new strip follows the release of the club's classic striped home kit earlier this summer.
Presented under the slogan "Segunda Piel" (Second Skin), the Hummel RB Linense 26-27 away jersey combines a deep navy base with rich gold detailing. Across the front, the shirt features tonal diagonal sashes that create a dynamic textured look. Gold accents appear on the V-neck collar, the sleeve cuffs, and Hummel's trademark shoulder chevrons, which are matched by a monochrome metallic gold club crest and Lotus chest sponsor.
The new away uniform is completed by matching navy and gold shorts and socks. The RB Linense 26-27 away shirt is already available for purchase through the club's official offices.
US Amal Tiznit 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan club US Amal Tiznit have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 campaign, manufactured by domestic sportswear brand Bang Sports. The launch arrives during a historic chapter for the side, having achieved back-to-back promotions to compete in Morocco's top flight, the Botola Pro, for the first time in club history.
The Bang Sports Amal Tiznit 2026-27 home jersey is centered around the club's traditional sky blue colorway, decorated with intricate Moroccan geometric patterns across the entire front. Gold accents line the V-neck collar, while white side panels and sleeve trim bring contrast to the shirt. On the reverse, the kit adopts tonal vertical pinstripes alongside clean white player names and squad numbering.
Several sponsor marks are placed across the chest, sleeves, and lower back, complemented by Bang Sports branding and an authentic licensed patch near the hem. The new strip will be worn throughout US Amal Tiznit's debut season in the Moroccan top flight.
Match Debut? Kylian Mbappé Back in On Boots Ahead of France vs Turkey
Kylian Mbappé has once again trained in prototype On football boots during France's camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey. Following the conclusion of his long-standing partnership with Nike and his high-profile move to the Swiss brand, the French forward has tested On LightSpray prototype cleats in training sessions. Despite testing the new boots behind the scenes and in training, Mbappé wore disguised, unbranded whiteout Nike Mercurial Superfly cleats for the first competitive match against Atlético, leaving his boot choice for the clash with Turkey as one of the key gear storylines to watch.
Official: Santos Announce Adidas Kit Deal From 2028
Santos FC and Adidas have officially confirmed a major agreement that will see the German sportswear giant become the club's official kit supplier starting in the 2028 season. The six-year partnership, running through 2033, marks the third collaboration between both parties following previous stints in 1980–1981 and 1984–1988. Long-time partner Umbro will continue to manufacture the team's kits until its current contract expires at the end of 2027, with Santos opting for Adidas due to expanded global marketing, superior commercial terms, and international distribution across approximately 120 Adidas flagship stores across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Electrifying: Adidas Pokémon Megaride F50 "Pikachu" Shoes Released
As part of the Pokémon 30th anniversary collection, Adidas Originals has released an eye-catching hybrid sneaker that blends football heritage with retro running technology: the Pokémon x Adidas Megaride F50 "Pikachu". Merging the streamlined upper design inspired by the iconic 2004 F50 football boot with the open-tunnel bounce system of the 2000s Megaride runner, the pair pays direct homage to the franchise's most famous Electric-type Pokémon.
The sneaker features a predominantly black and dark carbon base energized by vibrant yellow accents. Striking yellow lightning bolt graphics surge across the upper with 3D haptic detailing, complemented by three sleek yellow stripes along the forefoot. At the rear, an embroidered Pikachu graphic sits on the heel counter just above a translucent yellow TPU plate, which flows smoothly into the distinctive yellow-accented Megaride cushioning pods.
Finished with collaborative Pokémon tongue badges and themed insoles, the Pokémon x Adidas Megaride F50 "Pikachu" officially dropped on September 24, 2026, with a retail price of $200. It is available through Adidas CONFIRMED and select retailers alongside other models from the milestone capsule.
Adidas Germany 2026 Farewell Kit Debuted on Pitch
Germany officially debuted their special edition Adidas farewell kit during their UEFA Nations League clash against the Netherlands. The release marks the final chapter of a legendary 72-year partnership between the German Football Association (DFB) and the Three Stripes, which began in 1954 and will officially come to an end on December 31, 2026, ahead of Nike taking over as technical supplier from 2027.
The tribute shirt features an elegant, predominantly black base decorated with vertical gold diamond pinstripes running down the front. Adidas has opted for the heritage Trefoil logo on the right chest alongside the classic DFB crest used between 1978 and 1996, both rendered in white. A retro-inspired crossover V-neck collar is trimmed in white and gold, mirrored on the sleeve cuffs, while a commemorative "1954" jock tag sits on the bottom hem to honor the historic year the partnership began.
Completed with black shorts and black socks featuring gold detailing, the on-pitch ensemble arrived just days after its official unveiling. Following its high-profile match debut, the Germany 2026 farewell jersey is scheduled to go on general sale via official Adidas channels starting September 26, 2026.