Patrick Johnson 
Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Nike all the way back in 2003. Since then, the Sultan of the Stepover has become one of the most recognizable figures in any sport, transitioning from a young kid with promise and a heart problem to one of the beautiful game’s greatest players. Ronaldo’s partnership with Nike has helped the sport and technology of soccer boots grow in a number of ways. Now the Swoosh and CR7 have re-upped on their contract with a new long-term deal slated to move their relationship forward into the promising future.
In honor of the occasion, Nike News has highlighted some of Ronaldo’s most memorable boots throughout the years including Cristiano’s first boot – the Nike Mercurial Vapor which he wore while making his Nike debut as a prospect for Lisbon. Other highlights include an all-gold Mercurial Vapor II R9 – worn by Cristiano in his first FA Cup title with Manchester the following year. The piece showcases how Nike’s technology has changed throughout the years with an ever-evolving array of head-turning colorways, the rise of Flyknit, and the transformation of the popular Mercurial line. Ronaldo’s extensive feedback and insights have only helped Nike’s design team and created an attention to detail unparalleled with the Mercurial Superfly series.
“I have a great relationship with this brand, I have great friends here in the company,” Ronaldo said when speaking about his dedication and his new contract with the Swoosh. “We work as a family too. This is my brand.”
Check out the full feature and an exclusive video with Ronaldo via Nike News.
