With the action really hotting up in Qatar it’s time for a World Cup-special bumper edition of Boot Spotting in partnership with Pro:Direct Soccer, bringing you the best new and signature edition boots on display in the group stages so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX CR7
Ronaldo made history (again) when he scored from the spot against Ghana in Portugal's Group H opener, making him the first man to score in five World Cups. And he did so in his signature Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) adidas X Speedportal.1 Leyenda
Where there's Ronaldo, there's inevitably Messi. After the crushing disappointment of their opening loss to Saudi Arabia, the Argentinian showed off his magic to score his nation's first in the 2-0 win over Mexico. It was a goal scored while wearing his latest signature edition from adidas, the X Speedportal 'Leyenda'.
Neymar (Brazil) PUMA Future Z 1.4 Dream Chaser
The signature style keeps coming, and Brazilian ace Neymar showed off his latest, the PUMA Future Z 1.4 'Dream Chaser'. Sadly for him though, and injury looks to have curtailed his involvement, in the group stages at least. Not the quite the dream he was chasing...
Raheem Sterling (England) New Balance x Stone Island Furon v7
Not quite a signature edition, but special none-the-less, Raheem Sterling has been wearing the New Balance x Stone Island Furon v7 in England's two matches so far, netting in them in their opener against Iran.
Weston McKennie (USA) Next Gen adidas Predator
The upcoming next generation adidas Predator has already been spotted on the feet of Gabriel Jesus, Leon Goretzka and Weston McKennie in the build up to the 2022 World Cup, but it has interestingly continued to be used in matches, with McKennie wearing them against Wales and England. Ones to look out for in the New Year.
Declan Rice (England) Next Gen adidas COPA
As well as the next gen adidas Predator being on show, Declan Rice has given us a preview of the next gen COPA in England's games against Iran and the USA. Vibrant orange colour pops on a traditional black base – could this be the launch colourway?
Kylian Mbappe (France) Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX
Kylian Mbappé has been smashing it so far for France, scoring three in their opening two fixtures. He's been wearing the Nike 'Generation Pack' Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly IX, and it's a surprise that he's not got a signature boot... yet...
Gavi (Spain) Nike Phantom GT II
At just 18, Gavi has already impressed in the opening fixtures for Spain, and he's been wearing the Nike 'Generation Pack' Phantom GT II.
Jude Bellingham (England) adidas Predator Edge.1 low
Another young player to impress in the early games as been England's Jude Bellingham, and he's played up to the qualities of the boot he's been wearing: controlling the game in the adidas 'Al Rihla' Predator Edge.1.
Serge Gnabry (Germany) adidas X Speedportal.1
Whilst Germany haven't quite got off to the start that they would've hoped, they're still in it... just, albeit with their fate being out of their hands. Serge Gnabry will be hoping to find form for their last game, wearing the eye-catching adidas 'Al Rihla' X Speedportal.1.
Antoinne Griezmann (France) PUMA Ultra Ultimate
For the 'Fearless' pack, PUMA went pretty bold, with that “Fiery Coral/Fizzy Light" colourway, and one of the notable stars to be wearing the Ultra Ultimate has been France's Antoinne Griezmann.
Timothy Weah (USA) New Balance Tekela v4
Despite a serious lack of representation on professional pitches, the Tekela has stood out as New Balance's laceless option alongside the Furon. One man that has been wearing it is Tim Weah, although with some serious modifications... some laces for starters, and that along with no collar...
Yuki Soma (Japan) Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta
Mizuno dropped the 'Azure Blue' pack for the World Cup, and Japan's Yuki Soma has been wearing the Morelia Neo III β from it.
Ismail Elfath (Officials) adidas COPA Icon
Along with all of the prime boots on show there's also been a new evolution of the iconic Copa Mundial on display on the feet of officials on the pitches at Qatar. The first look at the Copa Icon sees it arrive in an uber-traditional black and white colourway, lifted straight off the OG Copa Mundial.
Rafael Claus (Officials) adidas Predator Pulse
Absolutely our favourite official at the World Cup, and not just because of his appropriately festive name, given the timing of the tournament, Rafael Claus also gets kudos for his choice of boots, opting against the official-specific Copa Icon in favour of the adidas 'Legends' pack Predator Pulse. Almost too good for a ref.
