What does the ’86 World Cup and Paris Fashion Week have in common?
One legend: the Mizuno Morelia. Not just a boot, a time machine laced up with history, flair, and the DNA of the beautiful game.
Let’s break down why this isn’t just another sneaker drop, it’s a fútbol fairytale with drip, legacy, and a mission: to reimagine the roots of the game for a new generation.
So, what exactly Morelia means?
Spoiler: it’s not just a cool-sounding name.
Japanese brand Mizuno named the fútbol shoe Morelia after the Mexican city of the same name, a tribute to Mexico hosting the 1986 World Cup.
On June 1st, 1986, Brazilian legend Careca stepped onto the pitch wearing the number 9 jersey and a mystery pair of Mizuno boots. That prototype would become the first-ever Morelia, also known as the Morelia Zero.
That moment wasn’t just a debut, it was Mizuno’s entrance into the global fútbol spotlight. Since then, June 1st has been celebrated as Morelia Day, honoring the exact date when performance met elegance and sparked a legacy that’s still evolving almost four decades later.
Now it’s 2025. The world has changed, and football isn’t just 90 minutes on grass anymore, it’s a lifestyle, a vibe, a statement, and Morelia? It’s still evolving, but this time, it’s owning the streets.
The Game of Quebrada: An Ode to Mizuno Morelia.
To celebrate 40 years of the legendary Morelia, Mizuno went all in with a campaign that feels like a love letter to the streets of Brazil, where the magic of the game is born and lives loud.
Welcome to The Game of Quebrada.
No clean studios. No fake turf. No scripts.
Just soul, sweat, and São Paulo in its purest form.
Shot by Brazilian photographer Amanda Adász and brought to life through the creative direction of Samir Bertoli and Fernanda Souza, this campaign doesn’t just look like street fútbol, it breathes it. It’s a visual manifesto built on cracked courts, dirt fields, and goalposts made from whatever’s around. The message is clear: this is where greatness is born.
With the support from creative studio @nabuenaonda, the campaign becomes a bridge across generations. It connects the streets that raised legends with the aesthetics of today’s sneaker culture, and right at the center stands the brand new Wave Prophecy Morelia Neo, the undisputed hero of this story.
A sneaker that mixes old-school K-leather charm with the futuristic energy of Mizuno’s Infinity Wave sole. Think vintage boot DNA reloaded with major sneaker energy: tradition and tech moving together.
Yes, the story started in the favela, but it’s not staying there. From the courts of São Paulo to the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week, Mizuno is turning street football into global fashion
When and Where to Cop
The Wave Prophecy Morelia Neo drops on June 27, available through official retailers and certified online stores. Remember this is a limited release, which means, if you sleep, you will miss a chance to own a piece of football history.
Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia, the design, or the vibes, this sneaker speaks every language: fashion, fútbol, and future.
