Nike Football Great Britain

Super Mario smashes it

DonJulio — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:44:54 GMT

Sometimes you witness the precise moment a promising talent moves up several gears into the major league.

For the man they call Super Mario, it happened in just 48 minutes. Last night, Balotelli scored two, created one and won the penalty for another. He even had to be dragged away from taking the spot kick by the regular penalty taker. Balotelli is not lacking confidence.

Watch the video to see how Balotelli hones his touch and dribbling.

Will his skills and growing confidence be enough to book him a ticket to South Africa?

SEE MARIO BALOTELLI'S PAGE

Expect surprises

DonJulio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:30 GMT

One side invented Total Football. The other invented Aussie Rules Football. One's consistently labelled as under-achievers. One's billed as a surprise package.

Can Australia take the next step and cause some damage in South Africa? Will Holland finally fulfill their potential?

It was goalless when the teams met in a friendly. But maybe they're saving their big guns for the big stage.

Control is everything

gareth.nettl — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:33:16 GMT

You don’t need to score to change games. It’s all about pulling the strings.

On Saturday, Cesc showed the impact of his game-winning control as his inch-perfect through-ball laid on the goal that won the three points.

Be the player, behind the player.

Own opening day

gareth.nettl — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:30:43 GMT

Cesc's pledge for the season was one word – trophies. While silverware may still be months away, Cesc showed how to Make the Difference in the first 90 minutes of the campaign.

His two goals and two assists helped Arsenal equal the record for opening day wins. And it proved when you need to nail the first game of the season, the difference is born in training.

Train on Facebook

Make your pledge

Tiempo SL: light in touch, heavy in class

DonJulio — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:02:29 GMT

Everyone in football knows that form is temporary but class is permanent – and there’s no more sophisticated boot than the new Tiempo Super Ligera.

Crafted from the softest kangaroo leather, the boot’s contours are designed to mould to your feet the longer you play in them, offering unparalleled comfort and control. Whatever the game throws at you, a suede collar keeps your ankle cushioned, while the flexible outsole and dual density studs give you the onfield traction you need to make the most of the ball when it comes your way.

Weighing in at 25% less than the classic Air Legend, the Super Ligera is the latest and lightest Tiempo boot. And when every extra gram you carry means a split second less to play that killer pass, you need to know that what you’re packing on your feet is the very best out there, pound for pound.

Light in touch, heavy in class: check out the new Tiempo Super Ligera at the NikeStore.

There's only one Cesc Fabregas

gareth.nettl — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:24:21 GMT

As all footballers know, when a chance comes along at the top level, you have to grab it with both hands.

No surprise then that there's been a massive response to the opportunity to meet Cesc Fabregas in the Nike Boot Room. Thanks to everyone who entered, the competition is now closed.

Cesc hits the Nike BootRoom soon. Keep checking NikeFootball.com for details of more BootRoom events.

Joe Cole Hits The Bootroom

gareth.nettl — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:29:32 GMT

When Joe Cole came down to the Inner Circle at the NikeTown Bootroom, the priveleged few got the chance to hear the England midfielder tell it like it really is. Today’s young players. The best he’s ever played with. And much more. Check out the highlights here.

Next up in the Bootroom is Cesc. Find out how you and a mate can win a place in the audience and become part of Cesc's inner circle.

Boot design competition closed

gareth.nettl — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:10:31 GMT

When Nike asked you to design match boots for the likes of Carlos Tevez, Cesc Fabregas, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Rio Ferdinand and William Gallas, you sure knew how to respond.

More than 15,000 designs later, the cream of the crop have been submitted for some of the Premiership’s biggest stars to choose from when Arsenal and Man Utd line up to face each other on 8 November.

Better keep an eye on your email – if your design gets picked, we’ll be in touch to invite you and a friend to spend match day at the Emirates, where you’ll see the boots you designed in action. And did we mention that you’ll get a pair signed by the player that chose them?

In the meantime, stay tuned to the Nike Football blog to catch a glimpse of the winning entries, or visit Nike iD to design your very own custom boots, and walk away in style.

Perfect your touch with Joe Cole

nike_gb — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:35:54 GMT

Joe Cole knows that tying defenders in knots with fancy footwork starts with the skill to bring any ball under instant control. See how the England midfielder hones his touch, then see if you can match him. Killing it dead every time will help you become Most Wanted.

Your control will be put to the test in your Most Wanted trial. Be ready, trials kick off 5 July '08.

Following enormous demand for places at the Most Wanted trials, a handful of wildcard entries have been released. Find out how you could win a place.

Ending a 44-year drought is next level

nike_gb — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:00:45 GMT

Everything comes to he who waits. And in his first major European tournament for his country, Cesc Fabregas played a vital part in helping Spain win their first trophy since 1964.

Cesc made his heading practice on Nike Live: The Cesc Fabregas Show count by scoring his first international goal when he headed in against Russia. His ability to stay cool under pressure was proven at the highest level as he fearlessly converted his first competitive penalty in the shoot-out against World Champions Italy. And when he dinked the ball for Guiza to score the vital goal in the semi-final, that deft control looked very familiar.

Again Cesc played his part in the final, pulling the strings in midfield, as Fernando Torres fired Spain into the lead and onto victory. And when the final whistle blew, Cesc was the first to celebrate with his team-mates as they were crowned Los Campiones de Europa.

Press play below to watch in full the first part of Nike Live: The Cesc Fabregas Show.

Playing in your hero’s shoes is next level

nike_gb — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:21:21 GMT

This summer, 16 footballing nations will collide. Europe's greatest players including Ibrahimovic, Fabregas and Gattuso will battle it out in special edition boots created for Europe's biggest football showpiece.

The T90 Laser II, the Tiempo Air Legend II and the Mercurial Vapor IV have all been redesigned with the heritage and location of host nations Austria and Switzerland as their inspiration. All the boots mix glacial-blue plates and vintage-look leather with match-winning performance.

Take your game to the next level this summer.

It’s More Than A Game

nike_gb — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:42:50 GMT

In a clip not broadcast on TV, see Cesc take on super-fan Tony Thomson at Pro Evolution Soccer. It’s Arsenal v Barcelona with Sky Sports’ very own Chris Kamara on commentary. Who will the take the glory? Will Cesc score as himself? Will Chris shave that tache?

Have You Got What It Takes?

nike_gb — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:04:19 GMT

Making it at the top level is a tough ask. With thousands of talented players looking for their big break, it's up to football scouts to scour the world and spot the best talent first. Find out what the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal look for in a player.

Young Gun

nike_gb — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:18:57 GMT

Cesc's football career started at the age of 10 at Mataro in Spain. See how the young Fabregas rose through the ranks, going on to Barcelona before joining North London giants Arsenal. Plus hear what coaches and players from his early days think of the midfielder.

The Killer Touch

nike_gb — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:21:55 GMT

Just how good is Cesc’s touch? In this challenge, Nicklas Bendtner and rising young star Ary help put the Spanish midfielder’s skill to the test. Who can kill the ball dead on the spot and take the glory?