- Model: Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite
- Player: Mario Balotelli
- Condition: Match issued
- Season: 2011/12
- Size: UK10/US11
- Soleplate: FG
- Made in: Italy
- Headline Features:
- Ultra-rare Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite boots match issued to Italian striker Mario Balotelli.
- Issued for Premier League fixtures during the 2011/12 season whilst playing for Manchester City.
- This was the season in which City famously lifted their first Premier League title, with Balotelli providing the assist for Sergio Agüero’s iconic last-minute goal on the final day.
- Specially custom made to measure in Italy to the player’s exact specifications and personal requirements.
- The left boot features embroidery of ‘RAFFAELLA’ – his former girlfriend’s name – while the right boot displays ‘SUPER M’ and ‘ANGEL’, the name of his sister.
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Authenticity fully guaranteed with the BC Boots UK Certification Package.
- Player Features & Modifications:
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Professional Issue Construction:
• Custom-made for Mario Balotelli by Nike’s Athlete Services in Montebelluna, Italy.
• Built to his unique measurements and playing preferences.
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Carbon Fibre Soleplate:
• Features a full-length carbon fibre chassis, providing lightweight stability and increased responsiveness.
• This soleplate variation was not made available commercially, exclusive to elite-level professionals.
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Internal Player Coding:
• Internal size labels display player code ‘999999999’, confirming this pair were made for promotional use only and not for retail sale.
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Personalisation Details:
• Left boot: ‘RAFFAELLA’ embroidery to the lateral side.
• Right boot: ‘SUPER M’ & ‘ANGEL’ embroidery to the lateral side.
• Classic Sky Blue/Black/Volt City-era colourway.
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Unworn Issued Condition:
• Match issued directly to the player but remained unused during the campaign.
- Context & Provenance:
- Issued During Manchester City’s Historic 2011/12 Season, in which Balotelli played a key role — contributing 17 goals across all competitions and famously assisting the title-winning goal.
- Manufactured during the height of Nike’s carbon fibre innovation era, making this an exceptionally desirable collector’s piece.
- Rare to find a Montebelluna-made CTR360 Maestri II Elite with full Balotelli personalisation still intact.
- Accompanied by the BC Boots UK Certification Package, confirming authenticity and provenance.
- Collector & Investment Significance:
- Montebelluna-Made Rarity: Crafted in Nike’s exclusive Athlete Services facility in Italy — extremely limited production.
- Personalisation Insight: Embroidered with details referencing his family and personal life, offering a glimpse into the personality of one of football’s most enigmatic talents.
- Historic Season Connection: Issued for use during Manchester City’s first-ever Premier League title-winning campaign.
- Investment-Worthy Memorabilia: With Balotelli’s cult status and career narrative, this is a truly unique and emotive artefact from a defining era in Premier League history.
- Supplied with the BC Boots UK Certification Package, fully guaranteeing authenticity and provenance.