Nike plans on merging football history with Air Max silhouettes once again with the release of the Nike Air Max Joga Bonito “R9”. Taking inspiration from Ronaldo Nazário’s classic 1998 Mercurial R9 boots, the upcoming hybrid will adorn Sergio Lozano’ Air Max 95 sole unit.
Via @brandon1an on X, the first colorway comes in Metallic Silver, Varsity Maize, Varsity Royal and Black. The colorway’s resemblance to R9’s celebrated Mercurial boots is sure to spark recognition among dedicated football fans. The upper certainly channels that early Nike Football bravado while adding a bit of lifestyle flair with the use of Air Max 95 tooling.
The name “Joga Bonito” translates from Portuguese to “play beautifully.” Nike made the phrase famous during its mid-2000s football campaign, which celebrated creativity, skill, and the Brazilian style of play. Stars like Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and the Brazil national team helped make the campaign one of Nike Football’s most memorable eras.
The Nike Air Max Joga Bonito “R9” will debut July 2, 2026 to coincide with the 2026 World Cup. With a $180 price tag, expect to find these on Nike.com and through select retailers. More color options for this new design are anticipated to drop down the line.
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Nike Air Max Joga Bonito R9
Color: Metallic Silver/Varsity Maize/Varsity Royal/Black
Style Code: IX8646-001
Release Date: July 2, 2026
Price: $180
(Mockup pictured)
