Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly gearing up for a monumental return to the global sports brand Nike. According to multiple footwear industry reports emerging from Europe, the Portuguese superstar is poised to resume his role as a leading Nike ambassador in 2026.
The Golden Boots Sparking Speculation
This strategic move is said to include the launch of brand-new Nike signature boots, a sight fans have not witnessed for several years. The timing is crucial, as it perfectly aligns with the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted across North America. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has already been spotted testing special Nike boots during training sessions in Riyadh in late 2025.
Eyewitnesses describe the boots as having a distinct gold colour and featuring clear CR7 branding. These sightings have ignited strong rumours of a renewed and active partnership between the athlete and the brand, following a relatively quiet period in their collaboration.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Design for a Legend
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to release his new Nike signature boot in 2026. This launch will mark his first official CR7 boot since 2022. Industry reports suggest the boot is a gold version of the classic Nike Mercurial Vapor 1. It will reportedly be updated with modern performance technology but styled to pay homage to Ronaldo's early, defining career years.
Sources close to the brand have informed football footwear media that Ronaldo has already worn prototype versions during private training. One insider revealed, "Cristiano Ronaldo feels comfortable in the boots and likes the clean, classic look." The global launch is anticipated in early 2026, strategically scheduled ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reviving a Historic Partnership
If this launch proceeds, it will become Cristiano Ronaldo's 33rd signature football boot with Nike. This impressive number underscores a long-standing relationship that began back in 2003, when a teenage Ronaldo, playing for Manchester United, first signed with the brand.
Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Ronaldo's visibility in Nike marketing campaigns has diminished. In 2025, Nike released the Mercurial CR7 "Regen" boots, but Ronaldo did not actively promote them, wearing them only during pre-match warm-ups.
The shift began in mid-2025. Between August and October, Ronaldo was photographed wearing unreleased Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly 1 prototypes during Al Nassr training sessions. These images, widely shared on social media by fans and local reporters, were the first clear signals of a rekindled collaboration.
Nike has not officially confirmed whether Cristiano Ronaldo will wear exclusive CR7 boots during the 2026 World Cup. However, individuals familiar with the situation state the final decision will hinge on comfort and on-field performance. An insider explained, "If the boots feel right, Cristiano Ronaldo could wear them on the biggest stage."
