Nike creates soccer cleats for Neymar Jr. inspired by Ronaldo "Fenômeno"

Nike launched the “Puro Fenômeno” soccer cleat on Thursday (21). Designed specifically for Neymar Jr., the new model replicates the colors of the Mercurial cleat worn by Ronaldo in 1998. Neymar Jr. will wear the new cleat in 2018 (except during the World Cup).

Just like Ronaldo in 1998, Neymar Jr. also took the field wearing a pair of Mercurials—the Superfly II—for his debut with the Brazilian national team. Capitalizing on the connection between the two Brazilians and the Mercurial line, the new model created by Nike—in addition to blue and silver colors with yellow accents—the “Puro Fenômeno” features “Mercurial” lettering on the outer side and the words “Ousadia” and “Alegria” on the inner side

“He’s one of my idols, one of the greatest and most iconic players in history. It’s a great joy and an immense honor to have played with him on the national team,” said Neymar Jr., who played in Ronaldo’s farewell game for the Brazilian national team in 2011.

“We have a connection. He’s an amazing young man, extremely level-headed and focused, and he already has an impressive track record in soccer. The most important thing is to keep the joy alive on the field. That way, when we watch Neymar play, we’re all happier,” said the legendary “Fenômeno.”

The new Nike Mercurial Puro Fenômeno model is now available for purchase on Nike's official website.