Convenient or inconvenient? We'll let you decide how Nike timed the launch of Neymar's first signature Mercurial. As we await the completion of his world record shattering move to Paris Saint-Germain Nike have dropped their debut exclusive Mercurial collection for the Brazilian. Neymar will wear the Vapor XI, but the collection gets the full silo treatment as the Superfly V muscles in.
Were the Swoosh aware of his proposed move to PSG when designing the boot? That's perhaps unclear. The Neymar 'Written in the Stars' design could be interpreted in many ways; the end of an era, the beginning of a new era, an inevitable march towards being the world's most expensive player. But ultimately, and originally it was likely to be a celebration of Neymar's career to date, and his achievements at Barcelona.
Having already launched the Mercurial Vapor XI for Neymar to wear in Barca's pre-season tour, Nike have now dropped a hi-collared Superfly in the same design. Nike have designed the boot to share the story of the player fulfilling his destiny and embracing the pressure on his shoulders from such a young age. Tributes to his country and family are present across the boot, none less so than the colours of the Brazil flag across the upper.
The blues and yellows of Brazil are amplified to vibrant “Blue Orbit” and “Volt” and host a Southern Cross constellation graphic to further credit Neymar’s Brazilian upbringing. Neymar’s debut goal for the national team in 2010 is remembered on the design, along with last summer’s triumph in the Olympics — acknowledged via reference to Maracana Stadium.
Brazil’s five stars to represent their World Cup successes also appear on the boot. When we said the design of the Neymar “Written In The Star” boot documents his journey we weren’t kidding. The upper is mapped out with stories like an unfinished autobiography as Neymar displays landmark dates, including 11.03.96 (the date of birth of his sister, Rafaella) and 24.08.11 (the birthdate of his son, David Lucca).
Neymar’s own birthdate (02.05.92) is thrown in for good measure too, along with his top speed of 34.7 KM/H, obviously. That ain’t all though, nope. The dotted geographical figures on the boot mimic maps of Barcelona and Brazil, respectively. No mention of Paris, not on this one anyway. If Nike were in the know about the move, and dropped in a subtle hint about his future on the design, that would have been epic. Coordinates to the Eiffel Tower would have been stylishly genius.
Several of Neymar’s goals are also commemorated on the boot, starting with his first goal for Barca on September 24, 2010. The boot also marks his first goal against Real Madrid on October 26, 2013 and his goal in the 2015 Champions League Final. On closer inspection you can see the “constellations” on the boot depict the path the ball took in the build-up to each of the goals referenced.
Get the Nike Mercurial Superfly V Neymar at prodirectsoccer.com
