The world’s best players are the main endorsers of popular boot brands like Nike, adidas and Puma. Big money contracts turn superstar players into the face of a brand’s footwear and usually extends additional services like clothing and events.
Every player photo below links through to what they actually wear, generation by generation, including Messi, Mbappe, Ronaldo and Haaland. If you’re after boots ranked by overall popularity rather than by player, see our most popular football boots guide instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What boot do most professional footballers actually wear?
Between them, the Nike Mercurial line (Vapor and Superfly) and the adidas F50 account for the majority of boots worn by top-level pros, with the Phantom and Predator close behind among players who prioritise control over pace.
Do professional footballers wear grip socks?
Yes, very commonly. By the 2014 World Cup, more than 100 professional players were already wearing Trusox, the original grip sock brand. They are typically worn underneath the team official socks, which is part of why individual player usage is often not publicly confirmed. See our grip socks guide for picks by boot fit and playing style.
