There is only one. Until another arises. The new Nike Mercurial Vapor Neymar signature football boots were released this morning. They are called Nike Mercurial Neymar Puro Fenomeno (pure phenomenon), inspired by the original Nike Mercurial debuted by Brasilian legend Ronaldo 20 years ago.
Ronaldo, also known as "O Fenômeno," debuted the first Nike Mercurial almost twenty years ago. The boots, unlike anything that had come before them, "changed the game in football," says Ronaldo. "I was part of the development of Mercurial since its beginning and that boot was at some point just part of my foot," he explains. "It was an amazing project to be part of and the results were wonderful — writing a new chapter in the history of boots."
The respect is mutual. "He is one of my idols. Ronaldo is one of the greatest and most iconic players in history. I’m really happy and honored to have played with him on the Brasilian National Team," notes Neymar Jr.
Nike Mercurial Neymar Jr - Racer Blue / Black / Chrome / Volt
This image shows the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 Neymar signature 2018 edition.
Inspired by the Mercurial worn by Ronaldo at the 1998 World Cup, the 2018 Neymar boots come it with black brandings and 'Racer Blue' and 'Volt' details. Although based on the current Mercurial, the 2018 Nike Neymar boots have a different upper structure that's closely inspired by the 'waves' found on the 1998 model.
"The partnership between Neymar and Mercurial is perfect. He has this characteristic in his game, he’s very fast, can abruptly change direction," says Ronaldo, who is happy to see Neymar Jr. making his own mark upon the Mercurial franchise. "In football, the boot has to help you perform, not only be there as a footwear, has to be part of you, at your command. The Mercurial has this power."
The inside of the 2018 Nike Mercurial Superfly V and Vapor XI Neymar signature boots derives from the distinct print found on the Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII, a model worn by Neymar when he broke through at Santos in 2010.
Tech-wise, the Nike Mercurial Neymar 2018 soccer cleats are nonetheless akin to the model's regular editions - apart from the altered upper structure that is.
Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Neymar - Features
- Teijin microfiber upper with ACC (All Conditions Control) tech and textured speed ribs
- 3D Speed Plate
- Embossed speed ribs provide ball awareness and control
- Nike Grip system to keep foot from slipping inside the boot.
The Nike Mercurial Neymar signature cleats retail at a price of 210 GBP. They are one of the last releases before the next generation of Nike's speed boot will inevitably drop in March 2018.
When Neymar debuted for the Brasil National Team (at 18 years of age), he was wearing the Mercurial Superfly II. “I scored my first goal for Brasil in those boots, so they will always be very special to me,” recalls Neymar Jr.
What do you think of the second Nike Neymar signature boots that is based on the iconic 1998 Mercurial? Drop us a line below, and see the Boot Calendar for all leaks and releases in the boot world.