As the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to Toronto this summer, the Bata Shoe Museum is kicking off its own celebration with an exciting six-week free program that brings the game to life through culture, performance, and history. Soccer Sundays — running every Sunday from June 14 to July 19 — offers visitors of all ages a vibrant, family-friendly experience that honours the global diversity of the sport while capturing the electric energy of one of the most significant moments in Toronto's history.
Complementing the programming, the Museum will display six pairs of iconic cleats from legendary players and leading brands — including signed footwear from Neymar Jr. and Canadian star Jonathan David — for a limited time only, from June 14 to July 19.
Soccer Sundays: Six Weeks of Global Culture
Every Sunday from June 14 to July 19, the Museum comes alive with a full day of programming rooted in the rich cultural traditions of nations competing on soccer's grandest stage. At 1:00 pm, visitors can enjoy live entertainment and unique performances that reflect the remarkable diversity of Toronto and the world. At 3:00 pm, an engaging presentation traces soccer's origins, evolution, and global influence — revealing just how deeply the sport is woven into the fabric of human culture and history. All day long, families can enjoy hands-on soccer-themed crafts to take home and a free-play Foosball zone for some friendly competition.
Soccer Sunday Dates and Performances:
Soccer Sundays is supported by the Community Celebrated Support Fund (CCSF) Grant received by the City of Toronto.
Legendary Cleats on Display: June 14 – July 19
Alongside the programming, the Museum will showcase six pairs of soccer boots for a limited time only, including loans from the Toronto FC, PUMA, and ADIDAS, that trace the history and evolution of the sport — from mid-century innovations to footwear worn and signed by some of the game's greatest names.
Toronto FC on View
2025 Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite FG worn by Toronto FC and Canadian Men’s National Team defender Richie Laryea in an international friendly match between Canada and Ecuador on November 13, 2025, at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario. Laryea, a native of Toronto, has earned 73 appearances (60 starts) for Canada, registering one goal and seven assists. Since making his national team debut in 2019, Laryea has featured in many notable international tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2024 Copa America, and 2025 Gold Cup. Laryea emerged as a key contributor for Toronto FC on the field during the 2019 season, playing a starring role on the Eastern Conference Championship squad that fell just short in the MLS Cup Final to the Seattle Sounders. In his club career with TFC that has spanned three separate stints, Laryea has made a combined total of 152 appearances across all competitions (MLS regular season, MLS Cup playoffs, Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, Canadian Championship), recording 14 goals and 21 assists.
Puma on View
Three PUMA cleats will be on display, spanning decades of innovation and iconic moments in soccer history.
The 1952 PUMA Super-Atom (Replica from 1996) represents a landmark era in the brand's storied legacy and pays tribute to the legendary Brazilian player Edson Arantes do Nascimento — Pelé — as the very design he wore when he claimed his third World Cup title and the Golden Ball as Best Player of the Tournament. PUMA's founder Rudolf Dassler collaborated with experts, such as West Germany’s national coach Sepp Herberger, to develop the world’s first boot with screw-in studs. At only 300g, it was also incredibly light for the time and featured other intricate design elements such as the PUMA patent lacing that went around the heel and the toe and joint band overlays for additional support.
The 1970 King Pelé (replica from 2006) came out originally with him signing with PUMA at the 1970 World Cup, when he won his record third World Cup title with Brazil. Made with Kangaroo leather, a flexible sole, and PUMA's Fers-O-Til technology - an Achilles tendon pad that gave maximum protection to the vital Achilles tendon.
The 2022 PUMA Future 1.4 Dream Chaser, signed by the incomparable Neymar Jr., one of the world’s most celebrated players, was part of a bespoke capsule for Neymar Jr. at the 2022 World Cup. The collection is all about being yourself, backing yourself, and staying loyal to your own from the streets of Sâo Paulo to the world’s biggest stage.
"Since PUMA was founded in 1948, it has consistently been pushing the boundaries of football performance, with technologies such as the first screw-in studs, and was part of some of the greatest moments in football history, worn by legends like Pelé, Maradona, and Neymar Jr.," says Tung Hoang, Manager, PUMA Archive. "We are pleased to be partnering with the Bata Shoe Museum to share these iconic shoes with the public, providing fans with the opportunity to connect with the rich legacy that PUMA has built across decades."
Adidas on View
A pair of 2026 ADIDAS Predator Elite FT, WC Model “Road to Glory,” cleats developed specifically for this summer's tournament and the very design that Canadian goal-scoring sensation Jonathan David will wear when he takes to the pitch for Canada. Born in the United States and raised in Ottawa, David now plays club soccer for Juventus in Italy and stands as one of Canada's greatest-ever players, boasting 75 international caps and 39 goals the most in Canadian Men's National Team history.
"We are proud to partner with the Bata Shoe Museum to celebrate soccer's historic milestones and bring them closer to fans as the world’s biggest soccer tournament comes to Canada this summer," says Kelly Graham, Head of Marketing, ADIDAS Canada.
On View From the Bata Shoe Museum Collection
CUP TIE cleats, mid-20th century. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum, a well-used pair of children’s soccer boots from the BSM collection will also be on view, reminding people that the love of the game often begins in childhood. The origins of soccer date back centuries, but the game was only officially codified in Britain in the middle of the 19th century. Specialized soccer boots began to be made in the early 20th century.
Visitor Information
Soccer Sundays runs every Sunday from June 14 to July 19, 2025. The cleats will be on display during regular Museum hours from June 14 to July 19. Soccer Sunday programming is included with Museum admission. The Bata Shoe Museum is located at 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday, 12 pm – 5 pm
General Admission to the Bata Shoe Museum is free every Sunday.
Pictured: 2025 Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite FG worn by Ritchie Laryea. On loan from the TFC. Image courtesy of Bata Shoe Museum
