Steven Bergwijn was recently spotted wearing an unreleased pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly boots and, judging by the details on display, it looks like another Kobe Bryant-inspired football collaboration is on the way.
Kobe’s love of football has always been well documented, and in recent years Nike has continued to honour that connection by bringing the Black Mamba's legacy into the beautiful game. From Barcelona's Kobe-inspired kits over the last two seasons to the hugely popular Mamba Phantom release in late 2025, the crossover between Bryant's basketball heritage and football culture has proven a natural fit. This time, it appears that the Mercurial Superfly 11 is next in line for the Mamba treatment, and it makes a lot of sense (probably more than the Phantom if I’m being honest).
Bergwijn debuted the boot during Al-Ittihad's AFC Champions League clash with Al-Shamal, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw. While Nike has yet to officially announce the model, there are more than enough clues to suggest what's arriving. The instantly recognisable Air Zoom soleplate confirms its Mercurial Superfly credentials, while prominent Kobe branding on the heel leaves little doubt about the inspiration behind the design.
The timing is particularly interesting. We already know that the Nike Kobe 8 'Mambacurial' is set to make its return in updated Protro form, reviving one of the most iconic football-inspired colourways from Bryant's signature basketball line. Now it seems Nike is taking that concept one step further by bringing the Mambacurial identity directly onto the pitch.
The upcoming colourway draws heavily from the legendary 'Fireberry' Nike Mercurial Vapor 9 released in 2013. Just like that fan-favourite speed boot, the design combines vibrant pink and purple tones with striking green accents, creating a look that's impossible to ignore. The Kobe 8 Protro version reveal a gradient finish fading from Red Plum at the heel into Pink Flash through the forefoot, complemented by Electric Green detailing across the Swoosh, tongue and outsole. The basketball model also features 'Mambacurial' branding on the inner tongue, celebrating the fusion of Kobe's signature line with one of football's most iconic silhouettes.
From what's visible on Bergwijn's pair, Nike appears to have adapted those same visual cues for the Mercurial Superfly 11. The result is a chaotic blend of purple, pink and green that instantly recalls the original Fireberry aesthetic while adding a distinct Mamba identity.
One of the standout details arrives on the instep. In a clever nod to Bryant's legacy, the traditional 'NIKE' text positioned near the heel has been replaced by 'KOBE', rendered in the exact same typography. It's a subtle change, but one that elevates the collaboration and further strengthens the link between Nike Football's fastest silo and one of the most influential athletes the brand has ever worked with.
As things stand, Nike has yet to confirm a release date or officially unveil the boot. But with the Kobe 8 'Mambacurial' Protro already on the horizon and this sighting now surfacing, the official launch feels like only a matter of time.
If the Mamba Phantom was anything to go by, expect hype levels to be sky high. And if this really is the return of the Mambacurial in football boot form, Nike may have another instant classic on its hands.
Keep it locked for more official details.
