When you say that someone is “mercurial,” you usually mean that they are prone to sudden changes of mood or mind. While this isn’t necessarily the best quality to have when you’re competing on the pitch, when it comes to soccer cleats, it’s a different story.

Nike Mercurial cleats are known for quickness, agility, and speed, much like the Roman god of messengers from which they get their name. Through the years, there have been many elite players who have worn these premium boots. Nike Mercurial soccer shoes have starred in some of the most epic moments on the pitch and been favored by serious athletes of all skill levels. Here’s a list of the players who are most linked to this iconic Nike design:

Ronaldo Got It Started

Nike Mercurial mania can trace its history back to Brazilian striker Ronaldo (not to be confused with current superstar Cristiano Ronaldo), who wore the original Mercurial boots at the 1998 World Cup in France. Ronaldo was definitely at the top of his game, walking away with the Best Player Award, though a seizure before the final match limited his ability on the pitch. Nike-sponsored Brazil ended up losing to France, but the Mercurial silo had established itself as one of the premier designs on the market.

Rise in Popularity in the Oughts

As the 90s gave way to a new millennium, superstar players continued to compete in the latest Nike Mercurial soccer boots. Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, French striker Thierry Henry, and Ivorian striker Didier Drogba dominated the English Premier League in the 00s with Man U., Arsenal, and Chelsea, respectively. During this time, the boots’ popularity soared as amateur players from around the globe sought out this modern legend.

New Decade, Same Dominance

In the 2010s, Nike continued to lead the soccer cleat industry with the Mercurial Superfly and Mercurial Vapor designs, with the biggest difference being the DynamicFit collar (the Superfly has it; the Vapor has a traditional collar). Though countless athletes wore Nike Mercurial cleats during this decade, the most notable is Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In fact, Ronaldo is so linked to the Mercurial design that Nike released a signature CR7 line. Though the Portuguese forward is entering the twilight of his career, he is still competing at a high level for Italian club Juventus, and he’s doing it in Mercurial Superflys.

A New Generation of Mercurial Stars

Today, well-known players like Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez, Real Madrid midfielder Eden Hazard, and Paris Saint-Germain forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe all lace up with the latest Nike Mercurial designs. For many players, the combination of excellent traction, lightweight agility, and a responsive feel thanks to Nike’s Nikeskin and ACC technology, makes the Mercurial line a top choice. For more than two decades, these boots have been worn by the game’s best players, and it looks like the cream of the crop will be hitting the pitch in Nikes for the foreseeable future. If you’re looking for pro-quality cleats for the coming season, check out the Nike Mercurial Superfly, and Nike Mercurial Vapor.