Brazilian football nostalgia is all over Nike’s latest Air Max Joga Bonito, but this time the reference point is not just the pitch. The upcoming “Neon” colorway pulls from the legendary Air Max 95 “Neon”, giving the Mercurial-inspired hybrid a look tied to one of Nike’s most recognizable running shoes.

This pair follows the launch colorway inspired by Ronaldo Nazário’s original Mercurial R9 boot. Instead of leaning only on football boot history, Nike shifts the story toward the early-2000s Brazil era, when players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho helped make the Air Max 95 “Neon” part of the culture around the national team. It was not a match-day boot, but it became one of those off-pitch sneakers people still connect with that golden generation.

The shoe itself keeps the unusual mix that defines the Air Max Joga Bonito. Up top, the shape is based on the Mercurial R9, with a low football-boot profile and sweeping side panels. Underneath, Nike adds Air Max 95 tooling, complete with visible Air units through the forefoot and heel.

For the “Neon” pair, layered grey panels cover most of the upper, while black hits land across the toe, side panels, midsole, and outsole. Light grey piping helps frame the design and gives the shoe more of that Air Max 95 feel. White laces and a white lining break up the darker build, while Volt accents appear on the Swoosh, tongue branding, insoles, Air bubbles, and outsole.

The Air Max 95 “Neon” already had its place in Nike football culture, especially around Brazil’s 2002 World Cup run. Adding that palette to a Mercurial R9-inspired model gives the shoe a clearer story than a standard retro color swap.

The Nike Air Max Joga Bonito “Neon” is expected to release in Fall 2026 for $180. Pairs are expected to be available through Nike.com and select Nike Sportswear retailers.

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Photos: JD Sports UK