The connection between Kobe Bryant and soccer has always run quietly beneath his basketball legacy. That context matters here, because the FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 6 Sample shown today traces back to a real moment in May 2011, when the original pair released as a tribute to Bryant’s love for the game while growing up in Italy. What’s visible now is a rare sample from that run, dressed in FC Barcelona’s home colors with the club crest placed on the inner tongue.
Royal blue dominates the textured polyurethane upper, recalling the “Black Mamba” idea without spelling it out, while a bright gold Swoosh slices across the side panel. Deep garnet wraps the midsole and heel structure, giving the design a polished, unified look that feels intentional rather than decorative.
Underfoot, the model keeps the classic performance setup—Phylon cushioning paired with Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot—showing how Nike preserved the silhouette’s speed-focused DNA even on a soccer-inspired colorway. Subtly, the execution reads less like a crossover and more like a refined extension of the Kobe line.
While fans still hope for a FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 6 Protro, there has been no official confirmation. However, a FC Barcelona x Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro is scheduled for Fall 2026, following the Kobe 4 Protro that released in July 2025.
Stay up to date with all upcoming sneaker releases from our Sneaker Release Dates page. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
