Ethan Holland
Frenkie De Jong, the talented footballer known for his ability to dictate the tempo of a game, wears Nike’s Tiempo Legend football boots. These boots are perfect for him as they are press-resistant and allow him to deliver long passes with ease. The soft Flytouch Plus upper provides a cushioned touch, while the conical layout allows him to twist, turn, and dribble as needed.
At the start of the 2023/24 season, De Jong, like all Nike-affiliated players, began wearing the Ready Nike boots. Specifically, he sported the Tiempo in a white colorway with a red tongue and black Swoosh outline. The black outsole of the boot showcased the Tiempo’s white logo on the heel.
After the release of the Tiempo, De Jong tested out the United Tiempo, which had an orange look with a bespoke repeating U graphic. This boot was part of Nike’s collection dedicated to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Before switching to the Tiempo Legend 10, De Jong wore Nike Mercurial boots, specifically the low-cut Vapors. Throughout his career, he wore various generations of the Vapor boots, including the Vapor 12, 13, and 14.
De Jong is known for his exceptional passing ability, as seen in his high pass completion rate. His vision on the pitch allows him to make playmaking moves even from a defensive role. His control over possession and remarkable movements have led many to compare him to legends like Iniesta and Xavi.
Born on May 12, 1997, in Gorinchem, Netherlands, De Jong began his youth career with Willem II from 2004 to 2014. He made his senior debut with the club in the same season. In 2015, he joined Ajax and spent the first half of the season on loan with Willem II before joining the reserve team, Jong Ajax. It was during this time that he started playing as a defensive midfielder.
De Jong became a first-team regular during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons, which saw Ajax win the domestic double (league and cup) for the first time since 2001-2002. In the 2018-2019 Champions League, Ajax made a strong impression by eliminating top teams like Real Madrid and Juventus in the round of 16 and quarterfinals respectively, before eventually losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the semifinals.
De Jong’s exceptional performances led to him being named the 2018-2019 UCL Midfielder of the Season. Recognizing his potential as a deep-lying midfielder with playmaking abilities, Barcelona signed him as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets. On the international stage, De Jong helped the Netherlands secure a runner-up finish in the 2018-2019 UEFA Nations League and was awarded the UEFA Nations League Finals Young Player of the Tournament.
Overall, Frenkie De Jong’s skill, versatility, and success have made him one of the most exciting young talents in football today.
