Nike Is Turning Ronaldinho’s Most Iconic Boot Into a Sneaker

By Kim BrowneJuly 21, 2025

Nike’s emphasis on soccer as lifestyle through converting cleats into sneakers is set to continue with a nod to Ronaldinho’s boot and the first YouTube video to surpass a million views.

The Nike Tiempo Legend “Touch of Gold” is an homage to the Air Legend Tiempo R10, a white and gold football boot worn by the Brazilian icon in the famous 2005 commercial known as “Touch of Gold” or “Crossbar.” Rather than a one-to-one conversion, the forthcoming sneaker is built off of yet another tribute to the original, the Tiempo Legend “Touch of Gold” that released for the 10-year anniversary in 2015.

A diamond quilt pattern is stitched above the toes, and gold “R10” branding appears on the lace shroud to match the metallic Swoosh, contrast toe tip stitching and a removable “R” charm. Ronaldinho’s full name and number then decorate he insole, while the numbers “05,” “15” and “25” are embossed below the lateral callout to callout pivotal years in Ronaldinho’s Tiempo history. Rather than studs, the sole unit is now equipped with Cushlon foam and a translucent rubber outsole.

In addition to the two cleats mentioned previously, the Tiempo Legend V R10 released in 2021 with Ronaldinho’s signature white and gold treatment and was limited to just 3,000 pairs. And late last year, Nike mashed up the “Touch of God” boots with its Air Max Plus.

Ronaldinho Air Legend Tiempo R10 Touch of Gold — FC Barcelona Brazilian player Ronaldinho is seen wearing real gold in his soccer shoes during his Spanish League football match against Zaragoza at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Oct. 1, 2005. Nike has developed a special gold and white version of the shoes Ronaldinho normally wears. It will feature real 24-karat gold applied to the Nike logo. AFP via Getty Images

So far, Nike’s efforts to capitalize on soccer’s crossover appeal have been focused on the Total 90 3. Since debuting in March, the cleat-turned-sneaker has seen its variants steadily increase in volume and with more involved looks than ever including a theme for rage quitting in video games, a gradient and a switch from leather to suede. Dutch boutique Maha Amsterdam collaborated on an even lesser-known version of the sneaker featuring Shox cushioning, the Total 90 Shox Magia.

Ronaldinho’s Tiempo Legend R10 was also teased earlier this summer alongside the return of his Brazilian teammate Ronaldo’s Mercurial R9. Patta, too, has gotten into the mix by previewing its collaboration on the Mercurial.

The Nike Tiempo Legend “Touch of Gold” will release during the fall shopping season, likely through Nike’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $230.