Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior will soon be seen wearing football boots that bear the name of a Barcelona player — a curious twist that has caught the attention of fans from both sides of El Clásico.
The Brazilian star was recently gifted the unique footwear by Chelsea and England forward Lauren James, who is also one of Nike’s global ambassadors.
Vinicius Junior’s Boots Feature Salma Paralluelo’s Name
Vinicius and James are both part of a new Nike Mercurial campaign, which showcases boots inscribed with the names of two athletes on each pair. As reported by Marca, the latest edition features the names of Lauren James and Barcelona and Spain star Salma Paralluelo engraved on the sides.
Vinicius posted a story on Instagram showing himself wearing the boots, writing “Thanks again” and tagging James. The Chelsea forward later reposted it with the caption “002”, referring to the limited-edition design of the boots.
Spotlight on Vinicius Junior
Vinicius has been in the headlines lately — not just for his performances but also for his emotional reactions. His confrontation with manager Xabi Alonso during El Clásico raised eyebrows, and the Real Madrid boss later addressed the issue, urging the Brazilian to channel his passion more constructively.
Still, his quality on the pitch remains undisputed. Ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool, Vinicius is expected to play a decisive role for Los Blancos, who rely heavily on his explosive pace and creativity.
Salma Paralluelo on the Road to Recovery
Meanwhile, Salma Paralluelo, whose name is featured on the boots, continues her recovery from a serious knee ligament injury. The 21-year-old was instrumental in Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup triumph but has faced a difficult spell since then. Reports suggest she could be sidelined until 2026, though she remains determined to return to her best under new national team coach Sonia Bermúdez.
Personal Comment:
It’s fascinating to see a Real Madrid player like Vinicius wearing boots that honor a Barcelona star. Football is full of rivalries, but moments like this remind us that respect and admiration go beyond club colors. Vinicius’ gesture shows his appreciation for talent — and perhaps a more mature, sportsmanlike side of him that fans often overlook.