Air Max: Nike Design By You Balde & Williams Take Over

The New Guard of La Liga: Alejandro Balde and Nico Williams Take Over Nike Design By You 

In the world of modern football, the boundary between the pitch and the pavement has never
been thinner. While Alejandro Balde and Nico Williams are busy terrorising full-backs in La Liga,
their influence is stretching far beyond the goal line. Their latest move? A collaborative dive into
the Nike Air Max archive, putting their personal stamps on two iconic silhouettes.  

The Chemistry of the "New Wave"

The pairing makes perfect sense. Balde and Williams have become the faces of a new, vibrant
generation of Spanish football defined by speed, flair, and great style both on and off the pitch.
By designing their own sneaker Nike is letting these two creators tell their stories through
fashion.
This isn’t just another colourway drop; it’s a storytelling exercise. We take a look at the designs
from the Barcelona and Bilbao Club stars and the thinking behind the aesthetics.

Alejandro Balde: The "Barcelona Blue-Print" 

Alejandro Balde grew up on the streets of Barcelona, they shaped his game and now they shape
his Air Max 95 design. Every colour, every detail, every line is a piece of his journey: the
discipline that kept him grounded, the ambition that pushed him forward, and the moment he
stepped onto the pitch for his Barcelona debut wearing number 3.
Black stands for focus. Orange for the fire that never goes out. 3 for the dream realised.
This is Air Max built from lived experience — designed by an athlete who knows what it takes.

SHOP BALDE'S AM 95 >

Nico Williams: Heritage and Heart 

Nico Williams grew up in Pamplona, carrying his home with him every step of the way. His Air
Max Plus is a tribute to that journey — the colours he fights for, the place that shaped him, and
the day his dream became reality. As a hero in Bilbao, Nico’s style is a blend of traditional values
and bold, modern confidence. The design includes subtle nods to his roots reminding the
wearer that no matter how fast you move, you should never forget where you started.

“It’s an iconic shoe, and this design fits perfectly with the way I dress.”

Black and red echo his club. NW80 marks the number of his childhood home and the doorway
where it all started. 0428 captures the moment everything changed and he walked onto the
pitch to make his La Liga debut for Bilbao on the 28th April 2021.
A shoe built from memory, ambition, and identity.

SHOP NICO'S AM PLUS >

Why Air Max?

The choice of the Air Max Plus and Air Max 95 is deliberate. It’s the "footballer’s favourite"
lifestyle sneaker. From the terraces of England to the plazas of Spain, the Air Max is a badge of
honour. By allowing Balde and Williams to customize their own, Nike is bridging the gap
between the untouchable professional athlete and the fan on the street.

How to Get the Look

Whether you want the "Balde Blue" or the "Williams Red," this collection proves that the next
generation of footballers aren't just following trends—they’re setting them.
Step into the stories, the craft, and the culture behind every pair. Explore the full collection and
see what’s next — your next Air Max moment is waiting on the Nike website.

Shop the Nike Air Max collection and explore the Balde x Williams designs at Footy.com.

SHOP BALDE'S AM 95 >

SHOP NICO'S AM PLUS >