Football News

Customized Nike Mercurial Vapor IV with (RED) Laces

2010-03-13T13:00:00Z

The weekend of 13/14th March 2010 sees all the top European Leagues in unison to raise the awareness of the (RED) campaign to help fight AIDS in Africa.

Nike announced their partnership with (RED) back in December 09, with their initiative being "Lace Up, Save Lives". Since then literally hundreds of thousands of players have shown their support by wearing red laces with their football boots. But here at SoccerBible HQ one pair of soccer cleats caught our eye - community member FulhamFTW's customized Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron!

We got straight onto FulhamFTW - aka Ben to his teammates - as we were eager to find out more about his custom boots. Hailing from St Louis, Missouri, we just had to ask Ben to share an insight into how he went about customizing his boots:

above: Before the action...Ben's Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron

"The first step was removing the lace cover. It's a pretty simple and straight-forward job, but should still be done delicately to avoid damaging the boots. There was some cleaning up of the adhesive to do, but once this was done I made holes for the laces. You could opt to just leave it as is, but they definitely look better with laces looping all the way up the front..."

above: With the lace cover removed and cleaned up.

So what did Ben think of the process? "It can be tough! But go out and buy a pair of Nike (RED) laces, lace them up, save some lives, and go play some football!"

With the everything completed in under 2 hours, we think Ben has done a really innovative and great job of showcasing the Lace Up Lives campaign.

above: The finished article proudly displayed over Ben's team 'HotShots'

What do you think of Ben's customized Vapor boots? Perhaps you have done the same, or have you added the RED laces to your boots in an unusual way? Send all your boots & laces pics to our inbox at u2us@soccerbible.com, and we'll feature the best ones on the site!

Please note: The SoccerBible accepts no responsibility for any damages or issues to football boots should any attempts be made to replicate this article. The above is presented as a feature only from community member(s). If in doubt, simply don't try this at home!

SoccerBible Debate - Race for Fourth?

2010-03-12T08:53:00Z

The race for fourth spot in the Premier League is really hotting up between Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Aston Villa, but who do YOU think will claim the much coveted final Champions League place?...(read more)

Football Boots - Champions League Boot Spotting - 11/03/10

2010-03-11T10:30:00Z

There was some explosive action in the Champions League and a feast of football boots to gorge our eyes upon, here's the SoccerBible's pick of the best from the last 16 games played this week......(read more)

Speed Boots Reign in Champions League! - 10/03/10

2010-03-10T10:18:00Z

Speed boots reigned supreme in the Champions League as they scored five goals for Arsenal, who trounced Porto 5-0 to reach the Quarter Finals....(read more)

Football Boots - European Round Up - 09/03/10

2010-03-09T16:20:00Z

Every week the SoccerBible rounds-up the best European domestic action, football boots on show and the star performers.

Real Madrid moved top of the Primera Liga table for the first time this season, and Inter Milan's patchy form continued as they once again drew, although neither Roma or Milan could capitalise. Elsewhere, Bordeaux were denied thanks to a late Montpellier goal, and Bayern Munich's lead at the top of the Bundesliga was reduced.

Real Madrid moved into first place, after Barcelona drew 2-2 at Almeria, in a game that saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic dismissed. Real were dramatic 3-2 winners against Sevilla, coming from two goals down with Rafael van der Vaart scoring a 90th minute winner to ensure his side went top on goal difference.

Elsewhere, bottom-of-the-table Xerez claimed a thrilling 4-1 victory over Malaga with both sides reduced to 10 men, whilst high-flying Real Mallorca comfortably saw off Sporting Gijon 3-0.

Featured Player - Rafael van der Vaart

Bayern Munich's lead at the top of the Bundesliga was cut to two points after they drew 1-1 with Cologne, with ex-Bayern player Lukas Podolski on the scoresheet. That slip-up allowed Schalke to reduce the gap following their convincing 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bayer Leverkusen slid further down the table as they suffered their first loss of the season, against struggling Nurnberg who surprised them with a 3-2 victory. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund disposed of Borussia Monchengladbach while Hamburg beat Hertha Berlin.

Featured Player - Lukas Podolski

Serie A leaders Inter Milan drew for a fourth time in five matches as they played out a goalless stalemate against Genoa at the San Siro. Second-placed AC Milan, were unable to capitalise as they recored a respectable draw against third placed Roma.

Palermo climbed to fourth in the standings thanks to Fabrizio Miccoli's 1-0 victory over Livorno, while fellow Champions League spot chasers Juventus and Sampdoria won against Fiorentina and Lazio respectively .

Featured Player - Fabrizio Miccoli

Despite a top-of-the-table clash, Bordeaux remain locked level on points with Montpellier after Facundo Costa salvaged a point for the visitors in injury time. Lyon could have closed the gap, but they also failed to win after they could not find a way past Boulogne.

Elsewhere, Marseille played out a 1-1 draw with Lorient, and a 90th minute goal from Issiar Dia helped Nancy overcome Nice in a five-goal thriller!

Featured Player - Facundo Costa

AC Milan and adidas Bring the San Siro to London!

2010-03-09T13:00:00Z

AC Milan might be playing several hundred miles north of the famous San Siro on Wednesday night, but that doesn't mean fans have to miss out.

The Rossoneri and adidas are hosting an event at the legendary Sports Cafe in London, and want true Milan fans to join them to recreate that San Siro feeling for the evening and the match.

This is an event for passionate Rossenri fans (are there any other kind?!) where along with hundreds of other like-minded fans you will be able to watch the vital Champions League clash with Manchester United. Of course there can only be one dress code for such an event: 2 colori, Rosso e Nero!

Want to join in? You'll need to head over to the Sports Cafe to get involved...

adidas Finale X Madrid Football

2010-03-09T09:14:00Z

Unveiling the adidas Finale Madrid football, the brand new Champions League ball to be used for the 2010 final in Madrid on the 22nd May. The Madrid ball is the tenth edition of the adidas Finale ball, so to mark the occasion SoccerBible is taking a look back at the previous nine Champions League final balls....(read more)

Football Boots - Boot Spotting! - 08/03/10

2010-03-08T11:01:00Z

The Umbro Stealth Pro football boots made their on-pitch debut this weekend, in both the Premier League and the Primera Division. Plus, our growing army of boot spotters had some great spots from around the world... ...(read more)

Umbro Stealth Pro: Are You a Fox or a Chicken?

2010-03-06T13:00:00Z

We've given you the exclusive pictures of two of the upcoming colours of the Umbro Stealth Pro football boots, but now Umbro reveal their campaign to bring the boots to the attention of the masses. Be warned - this is no ordinary soccer shoe ad campaign!

After a successful relaunch of the Umbro Speciali (a SoccerBible current favourite, it must be added), attention turns to the next soccer cleat to come out of the Double Diamond design room. Umbro certainly have big things planned, and expect to see plenty of Fox or Chicken ads appearing over the coming weeks.

Check out the video advert above for an idea of the crazy concept that accompanies the Stealth boots...

Umbro say the boot combines speed, power, comfort and control - so trying to categorise this one is an interesting debate. Originally, our initial prototype version looked to be firmly in the speed category, thanks to its lightweight construction. However we have to concede these final release versions should offer some competition in the Control category - thanks in no part to their sleek, snug fit and low profile - which means they'll be going head-to-head with parent company Nike's CTR360. Battle awaits...

The boot has been created and designed for the agile player who plays football with skill and "stealth". Which brings us on nicely to the ad campaign, in which Umbro ask are you a fox or a chicken? A fox: quick and nimble, a hunter, poacher and devestating finisher. Or a chicken: quite simply, a headless chicken.

Quick, light and deadly, the Stealth boot allows the player to "move fast in any direction to hunt down opponents wherever you find them on the pitch". With its strong and supportive construction Stealth gives you the confidence you need to attack and defend with power and precision. Alongside these elements, a precise fit, cushioning and design deliver a killer combination of comfort, control and style.

A streamlined last and two lateral studs in the middle of the boot offer increased speed, while the carbon fibre shank and heel counter provide the power and stability. One thing the new generation of Umbro boots are fast getting a reputation for is comfort, and the Stealth is no different. Cushioned insoles offering comfort in spades, meaning the Stealth leaves not many boxes for a top boot unticked.

Now you've watched the video, check out our extended feature galleries for both the White/Red Umbro Stealth and Red/Navy Stealth Pro football boots!

Football Videos - The Nike Mercurial Superfly II Launch

2010-03-05T17:00:00Z

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Check out this webisode from the Nike Mercurial Superfly II Launch, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and some of the behind the scenes action from the event!

Nike created a football paradise inside London's famous Battersea Power Station, woth plenty of Nike archive boots and football gear on display for the VIP media audience. Here are some of the best bits from a star-studded event...

above: the T90 timeline and football releases

above: the venue fills up with the World's media...

above: The Mercurial collection - how much would this lot set you back?!

above: classic Brazil shirts, steeped in history, tradition and glory...

above: The Original - The Nike, the first ever soccer cleat from the Swoosh in 1971

above: the new national away kits, modelled infront of a wall of recycleable bottles...

above: Ryan Nelson takes a breather from the paparazzi...

above: Deuce speaks to the media about Fulham, the World Cup and the new kits...

above: Everyone wants to speak to Pato! "What do you think of the new boots?" we ask him... "They're beautiful!" replies the young Brasilian...

Football Shirt News - The Night of New Kits!

2010-03-04T08:00:00Z

Plenty of cleverly scheduled international friendlies this week means lots and lots of debuts for the new World Cup kits - check out all the new football shirts that were on show......(read more)

Umbro Stealth Pro Football - England International Friendly

2010-03-03T10:51:00Z

Making its debut in the friendly game against Egypt, alongside the new England Away kit, will be the Umbro Stealth Pro ball. Here’s a first look at the brand new Umbro football, which the players have been using in training....(read more)

Nike (RED) Football - Limited Edition Ascente Football

2010-03-03T08:00:00Z

If you watched the Brazil vs Ireland friendly match last night, you surely won't have missed that this was another (RED) event.

But for this match, as well as the players sporting the Nike (Red) laces - another new Nike (RED) product was unveiled - the Limited Edition Nike Ascente Football made its' official debut on the Emirates pitch:

With a custom graphic and pattern, this limited version of the Nike Ascente football is supplied in a sturdy presentation box. Of course as a partner of (RED) Nike are commited to contributing 100% of the profits of (RED) Nike 2010 products to football based programs to help fight AIDS in Africa. You can read more about what Nike are doing with our in depth Nike (RED) feature.

Nike are also hoping to showcase the football during the Premier League weekend of 13/14th March, with Hull v Arsenal and Man Utd v Fulham possible fixtures to look out for.

If you want to show your support for the (RED) cause, or simply want this football to add to your collection, the limited edition Nike (RED) Ascente ball will be available to buy in selected retailers with a expected RRP of around £150 GBP.

So with laces and a football now released, at the SoccerBible we're hoping Nike will do the right thing and follow on from last years hugely successful Black Pack football boots series with a (RED) Pack!

Football Boots - Boot Spotting! - 02/03/10

2010-03-01T16:13:00Z

Here's a selection of players and football boots catching the attention of our numerous boot spotters. At the SoccerBible we scour pretty much every league in the world, thanks to our boot spotters and the help of our boot spotting fans!

LASSANA DIARRA (Real Madrid)

We love blackout boots at the SoccerBible, because no matter what model they are they always seem to look good. And Diarra's blackout Nike CTR360 Maestri football boots look particularly good with his Real Madrid away kit.

Click to see more about Nike CTR360 Maestri football boots on the SoccerBible!

SHAY GIVEN (Manchester City)

Launched this weekend to coincide with the release of the 1.10 Italy collection, the white blue PowerCat's looked really good on pitch. Debuted by Shay Given in the City goal, Given is one of the latest among a host of players to switch to the new Puma PowerCat's.

Click to see more about Given's Puma PowerCat 1.10 football boots on the SoccerBible!

ASHLEY YOUNG (Aston Villa)

We've seen a load of adidas F50 boot wearers change into the new scarlet red colourway, and Ashley Young joins the likes of Robben, Villa, Adebayor, Downing and Wright-Phillips. But it shouldn't be surprising as red colourways always tend to be popular.

Click to see more about Young's adidas F50i football boots on the SoccerBible!

WAYNE ROONEY (Manchester United)

We know Rooney may have featured in numerous boot spottings this season, but to be honest it's because every week he seems to be the star player! And that was certainly the case this week, as Rooney came off the bench to score the winning goal in the Carling Cup final.

Click to see more about Rooney's Nike T90 Laser III football boots on the SoccerBible!

KENWYNE JONES (Sunderland)

Kenwyne Jones has worn Puma football boots throughout his career, so we were surprised to see him playing in the new adiPure III football boots this weekend. Although he's not the first player to change boot models for the new adiPure's, as we've also seen Stilian Petrov and Ricardo Carvalho.

Click to see more about Jones' adidas adiPure III football boots on the SoccerBible now!

MICHAEL OWEN (Manchester United)

The latest incarnation of the Umbro Speciali football boots continue to have an impressive season, as Michael Owen scored United's first goal in the Carling Cup final. Unfortunately for Owen, it seemed he was too fast for his body as he pulled his hamstring and was replaced by Rooney!

Click to see more about Umbro Speciali football boots on the SoccerBible!

DJIBRIL CISSE (Panathinaikos)

Cisse netted both goals in a 2-0 Panathinaikos victory at the weekend, which was a good outing for his eye-catching and great looking adidas F50i football boots. Their unique green colourway is one that matches both his kit and the football pitch.

Click to see more about Cisse's adidas F50i football boots on the SoccerBible!

NEMANJA VIDIC (Manchester United)

Nemanja Vidic made his return to the Manchester United side wearing the new Puma PowerCat 1.10 football boots. Vidic was the face of Puma's previous power boots the v-Konstrukt, so it'll be interesting to see how he performs in the PowerCats and whether he sticks with them.

Click to see more about Puma PowerCat 1.10 football boots on the SoccerBible now!

MICAH RICHARDS (Manchester City)

The Champions League is Manchester City's target this season, and after a convincing victory away at Chelsea it is beginning to seem more like a reality. Fitting then that Richards has started to wear the new blue Champions League edition Predator X football boots.

Click to see more about Richards' adidas Predator X football boots on the SoccerBible now!

JAMES MILNER (Aston Villa)

Milner's move into the Aston Villa midfield coincided with him starting to wear the Nike CTR360 football boots, and the two have worked brilliantly. With every game Milner seems to be a more complete midfielder, and wearing the Nike CTR's he is really controlling Villa's play.

See more about the Nike CTR360 Maestri football boots on the SoccerBible now!

ESTEBAN GRANERO (Real Madrid)

Granero is the second Real Madrid player spotted wearing a blackout boot. Although Granero's weren't completely blacked out, as you can still see the white heel counter of his adiPure III football boots.

Click to see more about adidas adiPure III football boots on the SoccerBible now!

STUART HOLDEN (Bolton)

Holden had been playing in the adidas adiPure football boots whilst he was at Houston Dynamo, but since his move to Bolton the American midfielder has opted for the Nike CTR360 Maestri's.

Click to see more about Holden's Nike CTR360 Maestri football boots on the SoccerBible now!

DANTE (Borussia)

Credit goes to SoccerBible fan Ivan Galan, who on the weekend of the boots launch spotted Dante in the Bundesliga wearing the new white PowerCat football boots.

Click to see more about Dante's Puma PowerCat 1.10 football boots on the SoccerBible now!

EDIN DZEKO (Wolfsburg)

Despite the host of colourways available in the adidas F50i football boots, Edin Dzeko is continuing to wear his F50.9's. And we guess it is because of the lace-cover as various players, David Villa included, prefer their boots with the F50.9 lace-cover.

Click to see more about adidas F50 football boots on the SoccerBible!

Congratulations goes to SoccerBible community members ROMARIO, IVAN GALAN and DEADLEY LEDLEY for some excellent boot spotting this weekend.

And if you've seen anything that belongs on this page, mail us at u2us@soccerbible.com putting 'Boot Spotting' in the subject field.

Cristiano Ronaldo Interview - Nike Mercurial Superfly II Football Boots

2010-03-01T11:00:00Z

As part of the official Launch event for the Nike Mercurial Superfly II, Real Madrid and Portgual superstar Cristiano Ronaldo took to the stage and spoke at length with all round football guru Guillem Balague.

Speaking frankly, honestly and with some humour, Ronaldo gave some insight into the new Superfly II football boots. Here are some of the highlights from the world's most expensive in-depth interview...

Guillem Balague: Do these football boots help your game?
Cristiano Ronaldo: Of course, I think the boot is fantastic and this boot especially is quite different than the other Vapor ones. This one is more traced, more beautiful and I look forward to play with this boot.

GB: Do you work on the explosive speed in your game?
CR: Yes, it’s one part of my game to do the dribbling quick and sharp and to be explosive and to take the player away. I think this is my game and of course you have to improve.

GB: What do you remember of your first pair of football boots?
CR: I don’t remember very well, but I think I was sixteen or fifteen and some guy – I think it was Ricardo – presented me with the boot and it made me crazy because I had never seen something similar. I’ve been seven years with Nike – no, more than seven – eight – with these boots. I don’t want to change because this is my favourite boot.

GB: Do you keep any of your old boots? Do you have any favourites?
CR: No, no. I wear them until I break them!

GB: These boots have Nike Football+ digital experience. Do you think that the fact you can go online and people can compete with you online and learn your tricks helps young players using those drills and tricks?
CR: Of course. I think it’s part of football. You have to practice to be better, and learn to do everything correctly, at your best…. I think you can learn something about that. I always try to be 100% whether I am in a game or in training, I try to be professional all of the time.

GB: which footballer from history or now would you like to have had some tips from, to have been able to copy?
CR: I appreciate many players and love to watch many players, but I don’t copy anyone. I don’t like to copy because I think everyone has to be himself to do what he thinks is good, so I don’t copy anyone. There are many players I like to watch, but I don’t like copying anyone.

GB : I see you’re proud of wearing your jacket – let me ask you about Portugal – what does a captain have to do in terms of the team respecting you?
CR: I think you just have to be yourself. I’m not going to change because I am captain of Portugal: I think the responsibility is the same whether you are captain or not. I try to be myself, I try to help my friends, my colleagues, and try to be natural. Everyone knows what you are going to do on a pitch, and I try to help in any way I can.

GB: History seems to follow you a little bit. When looking at yourself and in the future, what do you want to be remembered for: as a defender, as a record breaker?
CR: Both – I think both is very important. I have said a few times that I want to be part of the football legends of history. This is why my path is long – of course I have to beat players, score goals, to assist, to do my best all the time in the trainings, in the games. I would like to think that when I finish my career and the people look to me and say Cristiano is a great example – he is a fantastic player, brilliant player, and an example for the kids.

GB: What’s your proudest achievement?
CR: It is always important to win individual awards of course. The priority is always the collective – the team is the most important. But the individual awards give you something special, being proud for yourself if you win Ballon d’Or or fifa or the golden boot. It’s always nice – you can enjoy, show your family – nephews, nieces - because it’s something special. I have won one of these awards but I want to win more – I think I have a long way to go. I’m still young, I’m playing the biggest club in the world, but I want to win in Manchester if it’s possible. I think it’s possible because we have a fantastic team, great spirits, and I look forward to winning one day in Manchester.

GB: Who has influenced you?
CR: My Brother, my mum and sisters, my mum has always given me confidence and helps me a lot and made me what I am now and I’m really proud for that. All people have helped me a lot to be now what I am at the moment and I have to say thank you everyone for helping me to be what I am now and I really appreciate that.

GB: Can you name one piece of advice, something someone said to you that made you feel “yes – I’ll remember this”. Can you think of one?
CR : No, you know… in the beginning, when you are 15 or 16 years old, you don’t really know if you will be a professional footballer. But I always believed in myself and when I started to train with the first team I started to believe that I would be a good player.

GB: Have you found many differences from being in the Premier League to being in la liga now? Is it the referees, the media, how the fans treat you? The rival fans, especially?
CR: It’s quite similar. The league is a little bit different. I think in English Premier league it’s more quick, the players are more physical there. In Spain it’s more technical: the teams, the smaller teams try to play more than in England. It’s not so direct. I think both leagues are fantastic and quite difficult. I haven’t played a lot for Madrid but I do have a little bit of experience and to be honest I am enjoying it a lot, I want to play more games and to see what the differences are.

GB: How do the opposition fans treat you?
CR: You know, this is not a problem for me. In England – not in every stadium but in most of them – they boo when I am playing away but the people have started to know / learn that when they boo for me that gives me more confidence and power. I have to say that if in Spain the people want to start this then no problem!

GB: Who would you pay to go and see?
CR: Any sport? Tiger Woods (laughs). Footballer? Well, some of them. Rooney, Drogba, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Raul, Benzema, Kaka…. Many players!

GB: You said once “anyone who likes football, loves me”. What did you mean by that – did you say that, by the way?
CR: I wanted to say that… Well because I think I am entertaining. You have to look at football like entertainment and I try to do that. I think normal people who like football like me because I am an entertainer.

GB: So what do you need to improve, then?
CR: Many things. I think I am not complete. If you think you know everything then you are thinking wrong. You don’t know nothing and you… well, I think I am in the right club to learn more than I know now and I can improve free kicks, the dribblings, my left shooting, right… you have to improve everything. In the trainings, the games, I try to work like I did when I started to learn football. I do the same things and this is why I improve all the time.

GB: What’s your biggest mistake?
CR: Biggest mistake? It’s not easy. Well, I do a lot. Some people say my biggest mistake…. To take off my shirt when I score the goal. They give me a yellow card. I don’t have to do that.

GB: So why do you?!
CR: I do it because – I don’t know if you know but Madeira now – some people have big problems after the catastrophe there and people are worried and of course I was born there, my whole family is from there, my friends, my family and I think no one likes it when some people die when it’s your family or not: it’s not good for the world. I’m dong this for my people because I was born there and I love the Madeirans and when I see the image on the television I am quite disappointed and not happy but this is life and the people have to believe that in a few months or a year then Madeira will be the same as it was before the catastrophe.

GB: Apparently there is a Real Madrid with you and one without you?
CR: Everything depends on the results. People do statistics – when I play, when I don’t play, when there are goals… it’s all opinions of the people. I don’t think one team should depend on just one player: just because Madrid is a big club and one of the best players in the world is there… I don’t think so. Maybe some people say “yes” but I just say Madrid is a fantastic team – not just because Cristiano played or didn’t play. That’s not good. I think Madrid with or without me is good.

GB: Are you looking forward to the game in Barcelona?
CR: I look forward to playing against them in Bernabeau and it will be a very interesting game and I am very confident that we are going to win the League and we’re gonna beat Barcelona.

GB: Wayne Rooney’s doing well. Is that related to your departure from Manchester?
CR: Well it doesn’t surprise me as I know the quality Rooney has – he’s always brilliant when In play with him. I played with him for three or four years and he was always brilliant. Not just this season although this season he has played very well and scored many goals but for me he’s still the same player – he is fantastic and a winning guy and I hope to play with him again one day. I don’t know if it’s possible but I’m really, really happy for him, for this season for Manchester, not just for him but for the other players that I have a good relationship with, and I’m really happy to see sometimes my friends from Manchester – it’s a really nice memory to know I have my friends there.

GB: You saying you want to play with Rooney again?
CR: Why not? Everything is possible…

GB: Let me ask you something… What’s the secret behind your free kicks – your legs and feet, or is it the boots?
CR: The boots. It’s the Nike boots!