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Enzo Fernández Requests Retired Nike Boots for World Cup Semifinal Against England

Enzo Fernández secured three pairs of discontinued Nike boots through a Cordoba-based entrepreneur for the World Cup semifinal against England.

Asude Karataş • 19 Temmuz 2026 23:00 • 3 dk okuma • 23 görüntülenme

Midfielder Enzo Fernández made an unconventional equipment choice ahead of Argentina's World Cup semifinal against England, requesting three pairs of discontinued Nike boots through a Cordoba-based entrepreneur. The model dated back to his standout performance in Qatar 2022, breaking typical sponsorship protocols that mandate athletes wear current brand releases during major competitions.

İçindekiler ›

The Request and Acquisition
Breaking Sponsorship Convention
Performance Impact

The Request and Acquisition

Before departing for the tournament, Fernández contacted Nicanor Iglesias, founder of Botines Alta Gama Cordoba—an enterprise established in 2019 specializing in professional-grade football equipment. Iglesias confirmed the midfielder requested exactly three pairs of a specific Nike model no longer manufactured or commercially available. The entrepreneur managed to source the boots through collector networks and ensured delivery before Argentina's World Cup squad traveled.

Iglesias revealed that Fernández specifically requested the identical boots worn during the Qatar 2022 campaign, when the then-River Plate player scored a pivotal goal against Mexico. According to the Cordoba entrepreneur, the footwear featured distinctive golden details on the sole and held considerable personal significance for the Chelsea midfielder.

Breaking Sponsorship Convention

The decision represented a departure from standard sports marketing practice. Professional athletes under endorsement contracts typically showcase newly launched models during high-profile tournaments to maximize brand visibility. Iglesias acknowledged that Fernández's choice technically contravened these commercial expectations, though he emphasized the boots belonged to the same manufacturer—Nike—albeit from a previous product line.

Describing the arrangement, Iglesias noted that combining practical comfort with emotional connection likely motivated the selection. The boots represented not merely equipment but tangible reminders of Argentina's championship triumph and Fernández's emergence as a tournament standout, where he also earned recognition as the competition's best young player.

Performance Impact

Fernández wore the recovered boots during the semifinal clash against England, where he contributed a crucial equalizing goal that initiated Argentina's comeback. The choice aligned with one of his strongest individual performances during the tournament, suggesting the psychological and physical familiarity with the footwear may have influenced his on-field execution.

Why did Enzo Fernández request boots from Qatar 2022?+

Fernández maintained a superstition regarding the specific Nike model he wore during Argentina's 2022 World Cup championship. The boots held sentimental value from a breakthrough tournament where he scored decisively and earned best young player honors. He sought to recreate the same comfort and psychological connection during the current competition's decisive stages.

Who helped obtain the discontinued boots?+

Nicanor Iglesias, founder of Botines Alta Gama Cordoba, sourced the discontinued Nike model through collector networks. The Cordoba-based entrepreneur has maintained a professional relationship with Fernández since the midfielder's River Plate tenure and continues supporting him through Chelsea and his national team career.

Did this violate Fernández's Nike sponsorship agreement?+

No conflict existed because both the current and vintage boots belonged to Nike. While professional athletes typically wear newly released models during major tournaments for marketing purposes, using an earlier edition of the same brand's lineup did not breach sponsorship terms, though it represented an unconventional choice.

How many pairs did Fernández request?+

Fernández requested three pairs of the vintage Nike model. One pair was worn during the England semifinal, while the purpose of the additional two pairs has not been publicly disclosed.

What made these boots distinctive?+

The boots featured golden detailing on the sole and were easily recognizable to followers of Fernández's career. The model had been discontinued approximately four years prior, making acquisition difficult through conventional retail or brand channels.

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