Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Superfly or Vapor: Which Are Pros Choosing for the 2026 World Cup?
Jun 14, 2026, by Chris
- New Nike Mercurial Boots for 2026 World Cup: The next-generation Nike Mercurial Superfly and Vapor boots were introduced just before the 2026 World Cup, generating significant interest and posing choices for professional players.
- Professional Player Switching Trends: After pre-tournament training, many professional athletes have been observed switching between the Superfly and Vapor models, with the Superfly 11 becoming highly convincing and prompting a noticeable migration from the low-cut Vapor once adapted to the foot.
- Notable Player Choices for Superfly and Vapor: High-profile players like Federico Valverde, Marcus Thuram, Enzo Fernández, Désiré Doué, and Cristiano Ronaldo have transitioned to the Superfly, while stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Tijjani Reijnders continue to prefer the Vapor, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu uniquely switched from Superfly to Vapor 17.
The introduction of the next-generation Nike Mercurial boots just ahead of the 2026 World Cup has been very interesting not only in terms of hype but also somewhat complicated for professionals. Thanks to Boots Culture for the story and images.
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Superfly & Vapor - Players' Choices
Following pre-tournament training camps, several high-profile athletes have been spotted switching between the Superfly and Vapor models. Boot experts at BootsCulture noted that while the Superfly 11 can feel initially less comfortable, it becomes highly convincing once adapted to the foot, prompting a noticeable migration from the low-cut Vapor.
Notable players making the jump to the heavier yet more comfortable Superfly include Federico Valverde, Marcus Thuram, Enzo Fernández, and Désiré Doué. Doué notably wore the Vapor in the 2025-26 Champions League Final before switching to the Superfly for international duty. Cristiano Ronaldo has also returned to the Superfly 11 after a recent stint in the Vapor.
Despite the surge in Superfly adoption, the Vapor 17 remains the most popular choice overall. Stars like Vinícius Júnior, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Tijjani Reijnders are sticking with the Vapor. Interestingly, Hakan Çalhanoğlu has gone against the current trend, dropping his previously preferred Superfly models to wear the new Vapor 17.
FC Barcelona 27-28 Home Kit Leaked - 2 Real Images
Footy Headlines can leak two real images of the new Barcelona 27-28 home kit. However, these still appear to be products created based on a previous concept. They have an accuracy of about 80% and will differ slightly from the final version.
Deportivo Cali 1965 First Title Commemorative Kits Released
Colombian club Deportivo Cali and their technical sponsor Hillside have launched a special-edition capsule celebrating the club's historic first league championship won in 1965. The release consists of two retro-inspired jerseys — one in green and another in white — that pay tribute to the monumental title won over six decades ago.
Both shirts embrace a classic mid-60s aesthetic, anchored by an open polo-style collar. The green shirt features a contrasting white collar and cuffs, complemented by a tonal sublimated pattern of stripes, pennants, and historic club insignia across the fabric. In turn, the white version offers a clean, elegant look highlighted by rich emerald green trim. On the collar ribbing, knit detailing spells out "19 CAMPEÓN 65" in tribute to the landmark campaign.
Each jersey is adorned with a vintage Deportivo Cali crest topped by a single embroidered golden star representing that maiden triumph. Additional commemorative touches include a retro script Hillside graphic at the lower back and a stitched authentic crest patch near the hem displaying "Cali - Un Amor para toda la Vida 1912". The limited-edition pieces are delivered in custom collector's packaging alongside a certificate of authenticity.
BG Pathum United 26-27 20th Anniversary Kit Released
Thai League side BG Pathum United have officially released a special 20th anniversary kit for the 26-27 season. Produced by Nike and launched under the club's "Side by Side" campaign, the commemorative shirt celebrates two decades since the team was originally founded in 2006 as Bangkok Glass FC, reviving the historic green color from the club's early years.
The Nike BGPU 26-27 20th anniversary shirt combines a vibrant green base with contrasting black accents on the crew neck collar and sleeve cuffs, flanked by white side panels. It features clean monochrome white applications throughout, including the club crest, the Nike Swoosh, and the front sponsor. Two variations of the jersey are available: the domestic Thai League version featuring Leo branding on the chest, and an AFC Champions League Two version with Singha Corporation and a Thai flag detail on the sleeve.
White shorts and white socks complete the throwback look. The BG Pathum United 26-27 20th anniversary kit is now on sale through the club's official online shop and at the BGPU Mega Store, priced at 999 THB for the standalone jersey. The club has also made a limited "Side by Side" collector's boxset available for 2,000 THB, containing two shirts, two commemorative scarves, and a sticker sheet.
