Nike Salutes Ronaldinho With New Tiempo Cleat
Neil Weilheimer
Managing Editor
Before there was Kim, there was Ronaldinho. A decade ago, the Brazilian soccer sensation was among the first to dominate social media, thanks to his Nike-produced YouTube video that topped 1 million views.
Now, Nike is bringing back the shoe — and the video, filled with all its volleying tricks — to honor one of the world’s best players.
Watch the 2005 spot here:
On Sept. 2, the Beaverton, Ore.-based company will release an updated version of the Tiempo Legend Touch of Gold cleat, which made its debut in Nike’s “Crossbar” campaign.
The ads are simple in execution: Ronaldinho tries on a new pair of cleats during a practice session, does some routine ball-handling and then casually kicks the soccer ball off the goal’s crossbar four times from 20 yards away.
In 2005, it was one of the first viral videos where viewers wondered, “Is that real or is it fake?”
The shoe will boast an all-white upper with gold accents. It also features Ronaldinho’s name on both sole plates in the forefoot and his R10 logo on the shoe’s tongue. The cleat includes gold-tone heels as well.
According to Nike, only 3,000 pairs of the new Tiempo Legend have been produced, with each pair featuring its limited-edition number on the heel.
