Nike Picks Vini Jr. to Wear Boots Linked to Ronaldo’s 2002 Win

Nike has decided to release a limited edition of the Mercurial boots worn by Ronaldo Fenômeno during Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning campaign. The special edition will be available in Brazil in the first half of December, exclusively via the Nike app.

To promote the Mercurial Vapor 1, known for its chrome colour, now renamed the Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN, the brand has chosen Vinicius Júnior to wear them on the pitch. Notably, the main image in the launch campaign is a reflection of Ronaldo Fenômeno in Vini Jr.’s boots.

“It’s a very special feeling to wear these boots now, with all the history behind them. They represent one of the greatest legends in football, Ronaldo. I can’t wait to debut them in the upcoming matches and hopefully score as many goals as R9 did with them,” said Vini Jr., who has been sponsored by the American brand since 2013.

Inspired by the speed of sports cars, the Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN includes a tribute to Ronaldo, located on the inside of the tongue, alongside a host of improvements. These include FlyTouch+ technology, which provides better grip in wet conditions, and a wave-shaped friction system that allows for quick cuts in all situations, along with an Air Zoom unit for increased speed. The anatomical shape of the boot has also been designed to ensure greater comfort during use.