Celebrating Gigi’s 18th Birthday: Every Mambacita Shoe Released in Honor of Kobe Bryant’s 2nd Born

On May 1, 2006, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant was born. Kobe Bryant’s second-born with Vanessa Bryant was slated for greatness in sports like her legendary dad. Before that tragic helicopter crash before her 14th birthday, Gianna was projected as the face of women’s basketball who possibly would have had her own Nike deal as a pro. Now not only Kobe’s but also Gianna’s inspiration is memorialized by her mother and Nike. The Nike Kobes now have exclusive ‘Mambacita’ editions to honor its namesake and his daughter. Her birthday marks the occasion more people can have a part of Gianna’s memories through the Nike Kobe ‘Mambacita.’

On what would have been Gigi’s 18th birthday, Vanessa unveiled the latest in the Mambacita collection. The sentimental value that comes with the sneakers carrying the Mambacita name far exceeds what anyone could anticipate for a future starlet gone too soon.

Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” (2024)

Mambacita was Gigi’s nickname after her father who went by Black Mamba. After her passing, Vanessa renamed the family foundation to include Mambacita too. To commemorate Gigi’s 18th birthday, when she would’ve been college bound, Kobe’s widow revealed the Nike Kobe 8 Protro “Mambacita” to her Instagram followers.

“On 5.1 we celebrate Gianna “Gigi” Bryant’s 18th birthday and the transformational impact she had on highlighting women’s sports with the release of the Kobe 8 Protro ‘Mambacita,’” Vanessa wrote.

It matches the black and white theme of the previous Mambacita sneakers inspired by her Mamba Sports Academy uniform. The extra factor this year is the butterfly print on the mesh upper. Along with the Swoosh and Kobe logos, the heel features Gigi on the left shoe and her jersey number #2 on the right.

The 2024 editions dropped on May 1 and are available through the Nike SNKRS app and select third party retailers.

Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Mambacita” (2023)

Gianna’s birthday last year too was commemorated with the Kobe 4 Protro “Mambacita” and jerseys that complemented it. The sneakers and apparel were sold on SNKRS and other select retailers. In a video for the launch, Vanessa said “The gold ‘Mambacita’ heart on the sock liner is a beautiful reminder to play the game with fierceness, curiosity and competitiveness, just like Gigi.”

The popular low cut version of the Kobe 4 Protro from the 5x champion’s playing days got a Gigi touch in the reissue. The black and white colorway honored her youth team when Kobe used to coach her. It had gingham around the heel and insole inspired by Gianna’s favorite flannel shirts she tied around her waist. The Swoosh on this one is red, an homage to Giganna’s red ribbon in her school pictures.

Sabrina Ionescu, Aubrey Callaghan, Pau Gasol, and Giannis Antetokounmpo also collaborated in a social media tribute to further their online campaign, #PlayGigisWay.

Nike Kobe 6 Protro ‘Mambacita” (2022)

For her Sweet 16, Nike honored Gigi with the special edition Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita.” It was the first release since her demise and it became a continued tradition from there. Nike even released a 60 second ad spot dedicated to Gigi. The proceeds from the sales of the Mambacita benefited the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Releasing the first of the sneakers honoring Gianna, Nike’s official page said online, “As young hoopers step into parks, driveways, gyms and arenas around the world, Gigi’s spirit will continue to inspire them. With passion, with love, with heart.” They also spoke of Gigi’s vision for sports to be more inclusive through the #PlayGigisWay trend.

These shoes released shortly after Vanessa and Kobe’s estate reached a new deal with Nike to continue releasing his sneakers. As per that agreement, 100% of the net proceeds would go to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

These were the very shoes Caitlin Clark wore when she made the NCAA scoring record this year. Vanessa has gifted several Nike Kobes, particularly the Mambacitas to college basketball teams. Gigi dreamed of playing for the UConn Huskies but her impact was felt throughout women’s basketball circles. It’s only fitting that these inspiring ladies continue her unfinished business with Gigi’s name and number on their Nike kicks.