The genesis: In the second generation, development of the boot was merged into Nike's Project Alpha - which included a range of models such as the Mercurial R9, Air Zoom Italia, Match Mercurial and Air Zoom Mercurial (a rarity, with Nike Zoom Air cushioning). the entire length of the boot). The symbol of the project was five points, an emblem of excellence and high performance. The main goal was to further reduce the weight of the boots.
The technology: Weighing just 230 grams, the Nike Match Mercurial 2000 proved that Nike's experiences with ultra-lightweight football boots didn't end with the original Nike Mercurial.
The look: Although it kept the same mold as the first design, it gained its own aesthetic – especially in Ronaldo's legendary Match Mercurial R9, in which the KNG-100 had a coppery and metallic hue that darkened to a black tone in the region of the fingers.