Nike have reintroduced an iconic staple of their football collection, bringing back the Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN boots that were originally worn by Ronaldo in 2002.
The Brazilian made the bold, chrome footwear famous at the start of the century, winning two World Cups with his nation and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid alongside an array of impressive achievements. His ability transcended beyond the world of football, making Ronaldo one of the most talented players to ever grace the game.
Hoping to follow in his esteemed footsteps is current Brazil and Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The forward came close to scooping the 2024 Ballon d'Or after winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Los Blancos but was beaten on the evening of the ceremony by Manchester City's Rodri.
He will now step into the boots once worn by Brazil icon Ronaldo, working to elevate his game. Nike's unique chrome design will allow the Madrid star to shine on the pitch, with flashing cameras and packed stadiums reflecting off the bright footwear.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo donned the chrome boots in the 2000s / Koichi Kamoshida/GettyImages
"It's a really special feeling to use these boots now, knowing the history behind them," Vinicius told Nike. "They're such an iconic boot and a symbol of one of the biggest legends of the game, Ronaldo. I can't wait to try them in the next games - hopefully, I'll score as many goals as R9 did with them.
"The chrome colorway with the neon green details makes such a perfect combo. And of course, the little R9 on the tongue is a standout. That detail makes the boots feel so unique and special, like a tribute to greatness.
"I want young Brazilian players to dream big, to believe that no matter where they come from, they can reach the highest level with hard work, passion and dedication. I want them to always play with love for the game, like we do in the streets of Brazil."
Nike's Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN are made with the latest technology to gift players more grip in wet weather. An Air Zoom unit also helps to unlock maximum speed, enhancing pace throughout the duration of the match.
Nike will release a limited number of boots, with 4,500 pairs each featuring a unique tag, from 9 December.
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