Vini Jr.’s First Nike Player Edition Boot Is Built to Be Bold

Bold: It’s the one word that best describes Vini Jr., his standout style and brilliant performance on the pitch.

So it’s with that description in mind that Nike designers created Vini Jr.’s first Player Edition model of the Mercurial football boot, celebrating his ascension to the top of the game with a head-turning look that’s true to his roots and trademark Brazilian flair.

The boot brings Vini Jr.’s journey to life through its unmissable Color of Speed: an iridescent nod to his game-changing quickness and how it’s fueled his journey from his hometown of Rio to early stardom at the city’s famed Flamengo football club and his rise to international acclaim.

“Watching my favorite players growing up, they all wore Nike boots,” says Vini Jr. “For many years I’ve played with Mercurial exclusively — and even scored a goal in two Champions League finals. For my first Nike Player Edition boot, there was no need to move away from what already made me fly.”

The medial side of the boot fades from red to yellow, representing Vini Jr.’s formative years with Flamengo, while the lateral side is awash in blue, green and yellow, inspired by the colors of the Brazilian national team.

The phrase “Vini Fly, Vini Voa” repeats across each gradient, drawing additional attention to his speed, and an oversized Swoosh takes after Nike’s Vaporfly and Alphafly super shoes — doubling down on the acceleration he brings to the pitch.

The distinctive color scheme, which also draws inspiration from the kites flown by Rio youth, is accentuated by a black Nike Gripknit upper that contrasts Vini Jr.’s kit and further evokes a feeling of speed.

Vini Jr.’s Nike signature logo appears on the tongue, his “Vini Fly, Vini Voa” message adorns the heel, and a fading pearlescent plate finish rounds out the bold look.

Vini Jr.’s new Player Edition model also showcases the best-in-class performance expected from Mercurial.

A unique three-quarter-length Air Zoom unit is built into the traction plate, which now features a cascading stud wave pattern to help athletes accelerate to top speed. Meanwhile, an integrated speed cage structure keeps footballers’ feet locked in and ready to step on the gas at a moment’s notice.

The contoured Gripknit toe box delivers precise ball control, and improved heel lockdown and Flyknit around the ankle create a more comfortable, secure fit.

The Nike Mercurial Vapor Vini Jr. Player Edition will be available globally May 26 at nike.com and select retail locations.