Luka Modric picked up the 2018 FIFA Men's Best Player Award last week in London before Nike awarded him with a custom pair of special edition Mercurial Vapor 360 football boots – boots that looked a hell of a lot different to the design that he's been training in ahead of a Champions League return this week.
The Real Madrid playmaker beat Mo Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to scoop the 'Best Player' accolade thanks to his performances in the Champions League and World Cup throughout the 2017/18 season, and it's fitting that he'll debut his celebratory boots when he returns to Moscow tonight when Real Madrid take on CSKA in their Champions League group game. But, the obvious point here is that the boots he's training in are clearly not the boots that Nike presented him with last week.
The Mercurial Vapor design that Modric has been training in features a gold and black upper along with a gold soleplate, whilst the special edition Nike Mercurial Vapor PE "Modric" boot that was showcased minutes after the award ceremony was a stunning visual treat thanks to its full multi-chrome upper that shone with an iridescent finish. Regardless of its aesthetic, Nike have already stated that the boots will not be available to buy – only Modric will own a pair.
Perhaps Modric was too modest to wear such a statement chrome design and feels more comfortable in a more low-key design in black and gold, while still acknowledging his new found status. Whatever the reason, expect him to take to the pitch in special edition style when he revisits the city of the 2018 World Cup Final on Tuesday night.
Take a closer look at the special edition Nike Mercurial Vapor PE "Modric" boots (above) here.
