Champions League Boot Watch: Player Footwear Analysis from the Round of 16 First Legs

This week’s Champions League round of 16 first legs delivered goals, drama, and several notable player boot choices. Across four matches, we spotted contract-free stars wearing darkened silhouettes, veterans sticking with trusted models, and goalkeepers testing new brands. Here is a match-by-match breakdown of the footwear seen on the pitch.

Lazio vs. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich’s dominant 4–0 win at the Stadio Olimpico underlined their status as tournament favourites, but the most intriguing details were on the players’ feet.

Lewandowski and Goretzka: Blacked-Out Boots

Bayern’s number 9 continues to wear an old pair of Nike Phantom Venoms, a habit he has maintained ever since his split with the brand. Despite leaked photos showing him with Puma, no new deal appears to have been finalised. Similarly, Goretzka took the pitch in Mercurials with the outer side darkened but the instep area left exposed. Both players are currently without a boot contract and are playing in painted black boots while their next move remains unclear.

Neuer: Mixed Models

Manuel Neuer customises his adidas Predator gloves to his liking, using a classic negative cut and adding a strap for a tighter fit. On his feet, however, he wore the new Copa Sense .1 (laced version) rather than the Predator Freak model.

Football Boots Phantom Venom Elite FG Laser crimson-Metallic silver-Black

Football Boots Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite FG Laser Orange-Black-White-Laser Orange

Football Boots Copa Sense.1 SG Black-White-Gold metallic

Atlético de Madrid vs. Chelsea

A 0–1 win for Chelsea in Bucharest, secured by Olivier Giroud’s spectacular bicycle kick, offered little in open play but several boot stories worth noting.

Savic and James: Older Generations

Atlético defender Stefan Savic continues to wear Puma Future 6.1 boots, a model that is now a generation behind. It is unclear what he is waiting for, but he looks set to remain in these boots for the foreseeable future. Chelsea’s Reece James also appeared in older boots – a pair of Nike Mercurial MDR3.0s – which appears to be a personal preference rather than the result of a contract ending.

Football Boots Copa Sense + FG Black-White-Gold Metallic

Football Boots Copa Sense .1 FG Black-White-Gold Metallic

Bota Mercurial Vapor 13 Elite MDS FG White-Black

Manchester City vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach

Pep Guardiola’s side extended their remarkable winning streak to 19 consecutive victories, controlling the first leg with their trademark proactive style.

Sterling’s Darkened Phantom Venoms

Captain Raheem Sterling, who has been wearing Nike Phantom Venom boots for some time, took the pitch with his boots darkened.

Ederson’s Latest Switch

Goalkeeper Ederson, whose contract with Nike ended, has been on a brand tour. After trying adidas and then Uhlsport, he now appears in Puma – whether this is a temporary or permanent move remains to be seen.

Gloves Future Z Grip 2 SGC Yellow Alert-Black-White

Football Boots Future 1.1 FG/AG Yellow Alert-Black-White

Atalanta vs. Real Madrid

Ferland Mendy proved decisive, first drawing a red card for an Atalanta player and then scoring a superb curling shot with his weaker foot in the dying minutes.

Kroos Sticks with the Classics

Toni Kroos remained faithful to his trusted adidas 11 Pro boots, a model he never changes regardless of the occasion.

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