Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes – and these days, it’s not unusual to see celebrities adding a bit of sparkle to even the most unexpected items. Case in point: former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, who once owned a pair of diamond-encrusted football boots.
The specially commissioned Nike T90 size-11s, adorned with both white and black diamonds and featuring a ruby on each boot, are set to go under the hammer this month – six years after they were originally sold to raise funds for the footballers charity, the Live the Dream Foundation, which supports underprivileged children.
Online bidding opens on 19th August via auctioneers Ewbank’s, with the boots expected to fetch up to £40,000.
Few footballers have combined power, precision, and presence quite like Rio Ferdinand – and these glittering boots reflect that legacy in remarkable fashion. Diamond experts at UK jeweller Steven Stone have revealed the full story behind this one-of-a-kind pair.
Commissioned as part of a bold charity initiative, Rio Ferdinand’s bespoke football boots are far more than luxury sportswear – they’re a dazzling tribute to a legendary career. Conceived by former model and dancer Luisa Di Marco and fashion designer Scott Henshall, and brought to life by Embee Jewels of London in collaboration with Rio’s management, the boots were designed to be the world’s most expensive.
Customised with spray paint and graffiti-style artwork by artist and rapper Goldie, they blend street culture with high jewellery. Rio’s name is stitched in bold capital letters along each side, while an 18ct rose gold shield, hallmarked London 2009 and edged in 1.80 carats of rubies, displays his iconic number 5 in white and black diamonds.
The design continues with black diamond-studded tongues, a white diamond No. 90, and dual Nike Swooshes sparkling with a combined 0.82 carats of diamonds, symbolising the duality of Ferdinand’s game – fierce and fluid, assertive and assured.
The heels feature ornate gold panels bearing a winged heart, sword, and crown motif, with ruby-set hearts and the word ‘Core’ in black enamel – a powerful symbol of passion, strength, and values rooted in resilience.
Altogether adorned with over 4.5 carats of diamonds, these boots are more than a fashion statement – they are a jewelled portrait of a footballer who turned defensive brilliance into an art form.
“Rio Ferdinand’s bespoke boots aren’t just adorned with diamonds – they’re laced with meaning. Encrusted with white and black diamonds, rubies, and framed by an 18ct rose gold shield, every detail tells part of his story.
His iconic number 5, set in sparkling stones, represents not just his position, but the pride and responsibility he carried throughout his career. On each heel, a winged heart, sword, and crown evokes the emotional strength, leadership, and heart-on-sleeve passion that defined him on and off the pitch. The word ‘Core’, etched in black enamel, is a quiet reminder of what kept him grounded – family, loyalty, and resilience through adversity.
Estimated to be worth £40,000, these boots are more than a tribute – they’re a reflection of the man behind the legend.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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