Vinicius Jr raised eyebrows by playing the first half of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Valencia on Tuesday night in plain blackout boots following his row with Nike.

The 22-year-old, making his 200th appearance for Los Blancos, wants to end his 10-year commercial partnership with the American sportswear giant.

However, the agreement between Vinicius and Nike did not include a termination clause, according to The Athletic, and the two parties have subsequently struggled to agree a solution.

What boots did Vinicius Jr wear vs Valencia?

And these are the boots we wore in the second half:

Vinicius Jr boots vs Valencia

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 02: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 02, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Why does Vinicius want to leave Nike?

Vinicius feels he’s the vicim of ‘unfair treatment’ from Nike, who have sponsored the Brazil international since the age of 13.

The world-class winger doesn’t feel the terms of his extension were reflective of his rising status and believes his contract is outdated.

Read more: Vinicius Jr: Brazil star seeking to terminate Nike deal after 'unfair treatment'

Vinicius wasn’t included in Real Madrid’s new kit promo or any commercials ahead of the Qatar World Cup, despite being one of the highest profile footballers at the tournament.

The Brazil international made his feelings clear by representing his country wearing an old model of boots instead of the latest Mercurial XV pair worn by Nike’s other leading stars.

Vinicius Jr in Qatar

DOHA, QATAR - DECEMBER 05: Vinicius Junior of Brazil celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Brazil and South Korea at Stadium 974 on December 05, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

What did Vinicius do against Valencia?

Vinicius wore the pair of unsponsored, blackout boots during the first-half at the Bernabeu.

But with the deadlock unbroken at the half-time interval, the South American emerged for the second half with a more modern pair of boots on his feet.

Eight minutes later, Vinicius put Madrid 2-0 up with a sensational goal, running from the halfway line before tucking the ball past Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Watch Vinicius’s goal here:

Wearing the same boots, Vinicius found himself on the receiving end of a brutal tackle by former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, who was deservedly shown a straight red card.

Watch Gabriel's foul on Vinicius here:

Thibaut Courtois: More must be done to protect Vinicius

Speaking after the match, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called for referees to do more to protect Vinicius on the pitch.

“You have to protect Vinicius a little,” the Belgian told reporters, per Football Espana. “He’s a very expressive guy, he dribbles and the defenders don’t like that. In many matches, opponents have given him many kicks. I’m happy that the referee had the courage to send Paulista off.”

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