The making of NIKE | NJR x JORDAN

June 13, 2016June 13, 2016 Admin

The making of NJR x JORDAN

Michael Jordan and Neymar Jr. share a mutual respect that transcends sports, countries, and languages. Neymar Jr. grew up a fan of the man and the brand, while Jordan appreciates Neymar Jr.’s style on and off the pitch. Now, as part of a unique Nike/Jordan collaboration, Neymar Jr. becomes the first football (soccer) athlete to feature the Jumpman on his performance product. Additionally, the Jordan Brand will release a Neymar edition of the Jordan V Low with “Neymar” stitched inside the tongue.

The NJR x JORDAN Hypervenom football boot takes inspiration from the Jordan V, Neymar Jr.’s favorite. “The Jordan V is very iconic and has the fighter jet shark teeth on the front,” explains Nathan VanHook, Nike Football Sr. Design Director, “and the Hypervenom II that Neymar Jr. wears has an almost modernized version of that feature, so we took those elements and put them together.”

Nathan VanHook’s sketch:

The Jordan V’s reflective tongue is reinterpreted on the tongue-less Hypervenom in the form of a bold reflective Swoosh. The reflective properties consume the Neymar Jr. edition of the Jordan V Low, on which the entire upper is reflective.

Jordan’s iconic cement print is recreated on the soleplate of the Hypervenom, along with the Jumpan logo underfoot. The initials of Neymar Jr.’s son (“DL”) appear on the laces, as does the icon of the Brasil flag.

Neymar Jr.’s Brasil number, 10, appears on the lateral side of the left boot and per Neymar Jr.’s request, the number 23 is on the right boot paying homage to Jordan. Both numbers appear in the respective font of the jerseys worn by the athletes. The sockliner and packaging feature a lock-up of Jordan and Neymar’s logos, while the boot heel features the Jumpman exclusively.

In addition to the Hypervenom and Jordan V, the NJR x JORDAN collection includes apparel and a football training shoe. This marks the first time the Jordan Brand has launched a complete collection for an athlete who is not a member of the Jordan Brand.

“Michael Jordan set the standard for greatness,” says Neymar Jr. “He’s an incredible competitor and a champion. I’ve always admired him, so to collaborate with him and have his icon on my boots means a great deal to me.”

“I’m excited that Neymar and the Jordan Brand are working together,” said Michael Jordan. “I’m a fan of his creativity, style and passion for the game of soccer. He’s a special player and I look forward to this collaboration.”

Neymar Jr. will wear the NJR x JORDAN Hypervenom on-pitch this August when competing for his country. The NJR x JORDAN collection will be available in youth and adult sizes beginning June 1 via the Nike Football App and June 3 on Nike.com.

Nike | Mercurial Superfly Heritage ID

May 9, 2016May 9, 2016 Admin

Nike | Mercurial Superfly Heritage ID

TIME TO GET EXCITED! An ultimate classic brought back with modern technology! Love it!

As the Mercurial marks a milestone with the recent unveil of the new Mercurial Superfly, Nike Football commemorates the famously bold boot’s rise with the release of the Nike Mercurial Superfly Heritage iD. True to its name, the offering marries heritage colorways with premier performance updates, including a lightweight carbon-fiber plate for explosive speed. Flyknit and a Dynamic Fit Collar — both of which were introduced to the Mercurial in 2014 — provide enhanced touch and a locked-in feel.

For personalized style, players can choose from a selection of four different schemes, marking the first time the ’98 Mercurial Vapor colorways are available on NIKEiD. The Mercurial’s iconic silver, yellow and blue colorway — worn by Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, upon the boot’s 1998 debut in France — is available, as are black and white and black and blue styles that also draw inspiration from that first boot. An additional white and silver option boasts a volt Swoosh, adding a modern twist to the design.

Players can customize their choice Superfly Heritage iD by selecting from three plate options to fit their performance needs. They can also add a number, up to five letters or one of 16 national flags to the side of the upper.

The Nike Mercurial Superfly Heritage iD will be available for a limited time beginning May 9, exclusively at nike.com/NIKEiD.

Nike Football launches “Fais Briller Le Jeu”

April 7, 2016 Admin

FAIS BRILLER LE JEU

Behind the scenes of “Fais Briller Le Jeu.”

Today, Nike Football launches “Fais Briller Le Jeu,” a new film charting the progression of French footballer Blaise Matuidi’s career.

The story begins with a young Matuidi recalling a decisive moment of footballing brilliance from legendary former PSG and Nigerian player Jay-Jay Okocha — then in his prime.

“Jay-Jay Okocha was my favorite player as a young boy. I used to love to watch him play for my team,” remembers Matuidi. “He was the player who lifted the team and the fans with moments of skill and ability on the ball. Seeing his moments of brilliance inspired me to make it happen.”

The full “Fais Briller le Jeu” film is also available to view on the Nike Football App.

This formative moment spurred Matuidi to even greater achievements that pay the story forward. His singular skills, team play and enigmatic goal celebrations today inspire his teammates, fans and future generations of players.

The film’s narrative culminates by underscoring football’s wider power to transcend boundaries; it charts Matuidi’s emergence from all-action midfielder to charismatic cultural and style influencer of contemporary creatives, like French hip-hop artist Niska.

“We believe that brilliant football is contagious, and that one move can spark brilliance. This is much more than a story of drive and accomplishment. It represents Nike’s footballing philosophy and the athlete’s journey towards sporting victory,” affirms Lorenzo Moretti, VP Western Europe Football. The film’s title “Fais Briller Le Jeu” or “Spark Brilliance” underscores this belief. Additionally, the story features notable cameos from PSG athletes and Matuidi’s French football teammates, and kicks-off the Nike Football Summer campaign.

Gallery: Cr7 Chapter 2 | Natural Diamond – CLOSE UP

March 21, 2016March 21, 2016 Admin

Cr7 Chapter 2 | Natural Diamond – CLOSE UP

Last October, Nike launched the first in a series of seven boots chronicling Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey. Chapter Two focuses on Ronaldo’s move away from home as a child to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Ronaldo has called leaving home at the age of 12 the “most difficult part of my career so far.”

We take a closer look at his latest release:

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While Ronaldo has always had talent, he makes no secret of the ongoing effort his success requires. “I’m always working hard in training and in the games. It’s work to achieve the success,” says Ronaldo.

Nike drew upon this inspiration when designing CR7 Chapter 2: Natural Diamond, channeling how Ronaldo has forged his game through hard work over the years.

For the first time, Nike textured the heel of a Mercurial for this boot. It is designed to look rocky and rough, representing those early years away from home when Ronaldo was refining his game to show the promise of the player he would become. As the boot transitions to the forefoot, it smoothens out, analogous again to Ronaldo’s journey and development.

The boot’s name, “Natural Diamond” acknowledges Ronaldo’s natural ability but also how he crafted his game under pressure. The diamond aspect is further highlighted by the sparkle visible in the Swoosh and the CR7 logo.

CR7 Chapter 2: Natural Diamond boots will be available beginning March 20 via the Nike Football App and beginning March 22 at Nike.com.

Nike Football Introduces New Metallic Swooshes Colourways

February 4, 2016 Admin

Nike Football Introduces New Metallic Swooshes Colourways

Nike Football introduces new colourways, with metallic Swooshes and a bold flash of colour. The Nike Football Metal Flash pack will be available February 7 via the Nike Football App and February 9 on Nike.com. It’s a nice simple twist from Nike. Time for a new boot release? We think so.

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NEYMAR JR. NIKE ‘OUSADIA ALEGRIA’ COLLECTION

January 27, 2016 Admin

NEYMAR JR. NIKE ‘OUSADIA ALEGRIA’ COLLECTION

Neymar Jr.’s new “Ousadia Alegria” boots embody an expression the athlete lives by and has tattooed on his calves. Translating to “daring” and “joy,” respectively, these words define both Neymar Jr.’s playing style and his personal mantra.

“I associate ‘Alegria’ with the joy of living and playing football, which I love most, and ‘Ousadia’ in having the audacity to do something different, which people don’t expect to see,” explains Neymar Jr.

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Bruno Carneiro Mosciaro, a renowned Brasilian artist and designer best known as Bruno Big, is responsible for the boot’s vibrant graphics.

“I created two different images, one for ‘Ousadia’ and one for ‘Alegria,’” he says. “There is a heart and there is a hand, so the idea is intended to be more graphic than a direct message. That is the interesting point of it.”

Bruno Big’s distinct artworks are expanded into all-over prints, which envelop the boots.

“When you take your time to look at them, despite the boots looking the same, they are not,” clarifies Neymar Jr.

While the graphic is intentionally abstract, the placement is purposeful. On the “Ousadia” boot, fingers wrap around as if holding it. On the “Alegria” boot, the fist is centered where it will make contact with the ball.

Bruno Big painted a giant canvas of 1,000 shoeboxes to commemorate the “Ousadia Alegria” launch, delivering the first pair to Neymar Jr. personally. The remaining 999 shoeboxes featuring Bruno Big’s art (with the boots inside) will be available on January 31 exclusively via the Nike Football App.

The Ousadia Alegria collection, which includes training apparel and two Nike Sportswear footwear silhouettes, will be available beginning February 2 on Nike.com

2016 NIKE BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTION

January 15, 2016January 18, 2016 Admin

2016 NIKE BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTION

Since its debut in 2005, Nike’s annual Nike Black History Month collection has evolved from a single Nike Air Force 1 to an extensive product assortment that pays homage to the achievements of black athletes worldwide. The limited-edition 2016 collection, with staggered launches running from January to mid-February, features a vibrant cascade of 28 products, spanning tennis, basketball, football, running, Nike iD and Jordan Brand. Its distinctly global sensibility is reflected in a vivid Pan African-inspired colour palette, with custom geometric motifs.

The Black History Month collection honours and celebrates Black heritage, in sport and beyond, around the world while also providing financial support to Nike’s Ever Higher Fund, which was created to bring mentorship, sport and all of its benefits to African-American youth.

Nike is proud to support numerous national and local organizations that provide services to underrepresented youth, including African-American youth, during the year, through community development, coaching, city league sport programs, and early childhood development programs. Long-time partners include the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, National Head Start and Coach Across America.

FOOTBALLERS COMPETE FOR A PLACE IN THE NIKE ACADEMY

November 30, 2015November 30, 2015 Admin

Nike opens the doors of St. George’s Park, the English Football Association’s National Football Centre and the Nike Academy’s permanent base, to 42 athletes this weekend for an annual, intensive three-day assessment in front of expert coaches, scouts and Nike Academy Manager, Jon Goodman.

The competition, which concludes a global search for the best unsigned footballers, Nike Most Wanted, fills positions at The Nike Academy. Given the Nike Academy’s sustained strength and recent results, including last week’s 2-1 victory over FC Barcelona U19 at Wembley Stadium, this year’s Global Showcase is fiercer than ever.

Nike Academy Manager, Jon Goodman announced the 10 young players who will join his elite development squad for the 2016 season. William Tsobgni Dongmo (France), Sinn’kaye Christie (UK), Ramarni Edmonds (UK), Ilias Yagou (Netherlands), Izaque Santos (Brazil), Nassim L’Ghoul (France), Paul Tyson (UK), Fotis Stamatopoulos (Greece), Pontus Almqvist (Sweden), Matheus Batalha (Brazil), emerged as the latest winners of the Nike Most Wanted Global Showcase.

Nike Most Wanted continues to be a rigorous, but proven, process that we undertake in order to keep on improving the Nike Academy. I’m constantly impressed by the quality of the players we see coming through from all over the globe, and that’s been reflected in our selection this weekend.

“As a team, we’re excited to start working with the footballers who excelled during this experience, and to continue developing them into elite-level players,” said Goodman.

Barclays Premier League and Belgian international midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, who was on hand to meet the finalists and discuss his own career to date, joined Goodman and his team on the final day of the Nike Most Wanted Global Showcase.

“I was lucky enough to attend the UK Nike Most Wanted finals, too, so it’s been great to be part of the full journey. I’m always inspired when I see enthusiastic young players with such a passion for the game.

“I know the competition is tough in situations like this, but for the 10 players that were selected, and for anyone trying to make it in football, my advice would be to keep your love of the game alive, and strive to be better every single day,” said De Bruyne.

Nike Tiempo 6 Launch | With @toffem

November 23, 2015 Admin

Nike Tiempo 6 Launch | With @toffem

Boot Advisor: Boot Collection – has a special!

Serious Boot Collector @toffem has a love for NIKE boots and Nike repaid the love with an all expenses trip to the recent Tiempo 6 launch in Munich, Germany. Here’s his story!

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The plane departure from Helsinki, Finland around 8 AM in local time and arrived in Munich around 9.30 AM local time. In Munich airport I had a private driver waiting for me, so once I got out from the terminal I saw a well-dressed man holding a sign saying Nike. He helped me with my bags and led me to an all-black BMW 730. He even opened the car door for me so I could take the back seat. Driver also asked if I want any water or lemonade, and what kind of music do I want to listen. Haha I never believed I would get a ride like this.

After a half hour of drive we arrived in the hotel in Munich, from the outside you could tell it was a fancy 5 star hotel.

I got to the room and found some really cool Nike equipment on my bed, later I heard that everyone were given different products which was quite nice. I was a bit nervous, but in a good way, as everything had happened so fast. After about one and a half hour the rest of the people started to arrive to the Hotel. It was really nice to meet the guy who first had contacted me about the event, bloggers, YouTubers and some of the other collectors who I never had a chance to talk in person before, just online. Everything went really smooth as we all shared the same passion.

Before the actual event we ate lunch at the hotel. I also saw F. Ribery with he´s son staying at same hotel as we did.

The event was located about 30 mins from center of Munich in an old factory building, there was no public entrance. We walked through a hallway to the first display room; it was called the “bootheads” or collectors room. Here Nike had displayed some boots from Nike Tiempo collection, including my pair Nike Tiempo Air Legend II EC08. The room was stunning and professionally designed. The wall in the end of the room had a countdown display.

After the countdown the wall opened and we walked through the hallway to the next room with a stage where the Tiempo 6 was displayed. We were around 200 people in there, everything from bloggers, YouTubers, media, Nike crew and 3 collectors me included. Shortly we were asked to step down from the stage as they were about to talk about the new boots and meet Jerome Boateng and Antonio Rudiger.

It was time for us to interview and meet Jerome Boateng, Antonio Rudiger and Alessandor Florenzi. I asked them a simple question “What was your first football boots?”

Luckily I also got a selfie with Boateng.

We were also shown the new Nike Liquid Chrome pack. I met some great people and talked about football boots in general. Next was the Tiempo 6 tryout, so we headed back to the busses and drove to a practice arena. The locker rooms were awesome as Nike had put all the needed training gear on individual seat place and they even printed our InstaGram name on the floor. We played a game 11 vs. 11 with referees and coaches. The media captured all on camera.

After the game we were supposed to have a dinner all together, but all 3 collectors were invited to dine with some of the leaders and designers for Nike Football. It was a great evening and I think we gave them some good ideas.

It truly was a trip I will never forget!

Boot Collector | @toffem

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Check out @toffem collection and other snaps from his trip HERE.

NIKE FOOTBALL LIQUID CHROME PACK

November 23, 2015 Admin

NIKE FOOTBALL LIQUID CHROME PACK

Professional players around the world will debut the new NIKE boots this week. Beyond producing an eye-catching aesthetic, the boots also conquer the challenges of working with metallic colours.

The new colourway line-up is: RED BRONZE HYPERVENOM, URBAN LILAC MERCURIAL, METALLIC PEWTER MAGISTA and the new Tiempo Legend 6 Pure Platinum colorway is also part of the Liquid Chrome Pack. General thoughts are a safe yet striking materialist approach for the new launch. We’re keen to see all the Pro Stars wearing them in the coming weeks. But exclude Mr. Ronaldo from that list! He of course is exclusive to his CR7 Nike range!

“Metallics are inherently slippery, which is problematic in a sport where the color is in constant contact with the ball,” continues Jobe. “It took close collaboration with our materials team to craft colorways that live up to our strict performance standards. We knew this was a look our players were drawn to, but we weren’t going to do it if we couldn’t do it right. These boots look amazing without any compromise.”

“We wanted to create something that looks immovable — as if made of metal — but comes to life in motion,” Nike Football Color Lead Emma Jobe explains while describing Nike Football’s Liquid Chrome Pack. “Light reflects off the boot when it comes in contact with the ball and produces almost a crumpling effect.”

The Nike Football Liquid Chrome Pack will be available across cleated and NikeFootballX versions beginning November 30 via the Nike Football App and December 2 on nike.com.