Ahead of the El Clásico clash in the Copa de la Reina, the Barcelona icon reveals how the Brazilian legend inspired her career.
Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and heart of Barcelona, has officially become the face of the new special edition Nike Phantom 6. This signature cleat is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a personalized tribute to Putellas’ journey and her deep-rooted connection with the number 11.
Inspired by a Legend: The Rivaldo Connection
In an exclusive interview with Nike, Alexia revealed that her obsession with the number 11 started while watching a Brazilian maestro at the Camp Nou.
“When I started watching Barça, I remember that the number 11 belonged to Rivaldo, who is left-footed. I fell in love with that number. Everyone wants the number 10, but 11 is special. When people see the number 11, I want them to associate it with Alexia,” she shared.
For Putellas, having a signature boot line is a “surreal” milestone. Growing up in an era where women’s football had little visibility, she admitted she never dreamed of playing at a packed Camp Nou, let alone designing her own Nike boots.
The Design: Built for the “Queen”
The Phantom 6 was crafted to match Alexia’s playing style focusing on precision, touch, and control. The aesthetic is centered around her identity as the world’s most famous number 11, blending elegance with the technical requirements of an elite playmaker.
El Clásico: A High-Stakes Debut?
The timing of the launch couldn’t be more perfect. Barcelona is set to face Real Madrid this Thursday (Feb 5th) in a massive Copa de la Reina quarter-final.
While Barça recently defeated their rivals 2-0 in the Super Cup final, this time the Merengues will have the home-field advantage. All eyes will be on Putellas and her new boots as she looks to lead the Catalans into the semi-finals.
Helena Lena Jessica Da Laila is a football writer covering Spanish women’s football, with a focus on Liga F, tactical trends, and emerging talents shaping the women’s game in Spain.
