Michael Jordan and Neymar Jr. share a mutual respect that transcends sports, countries, and languages. Neymar Jr. grew up a fan of the man and the brand, while Jordan appreciates Neymar Jr.’s style on and off the pitch. Now, as part of a unique Nike/Jordan collaboration, Neymar Jr. becomes the first football (soccer) athlete to feature the Jumpman on his performance product. Additionally, the Jordan Brand will release a Neymar edition of the Jordan V Low with “Neymar” stitched inside the tongue.
The NJR x JORDAN Hypervenom football boot takes inspiration from the Jordan V, Neymar Jr.’s favorite. “The Jordan V is very iconic and has the fighter jet shark teeth on the front,” explains Nathan VanHook, Nike Football Sr. Design Director, “and the Hypervenom II that Neymar Jr. wears has an almost modernized version of that feature, so we took those elements and put them together.”
The Jordan V’s reflective tongue is reinterpreted on the tongue-less Hypervenom in the form of a bold reflective Swoosh. The reflective properties consume the Neymar Jr. edition of the Jordan V Low, on which the entire upper is reflective.
Jordan’s iconic cement print is recreated on the soleplate of the Hypervenom, along with the Jumpan logo underfoot. The initials of Neymar Jr.’s son (“DL”) appear on the laces, as does the icon of the Brasil flag.
Neymar Jr.’s Brasil number, 10, appears on the lateral side of the left boot and per Neymar Jr.’s request, the number 23 is on the right boot paying homage to Jordan. Both numbers appear in the respective font of the jerseys worn by the athletes. The sockliner and packaging feature a lock-up of Jordan and Neymar’s logos, while the boot heel features the Jumpman exclusively.
Neymar Jr. will wear the NJR x JORDAN Hypervenom on-pitch this August when competing for his country.
