Updated April 17th, 2025: Official images of the Nike Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita” have emerged ahead of the scheduled May 1st, 2025 release date. The drop coincides with the birthday of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.










WHERE TO BUY
Mens Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low EM Protro "Mambacita"

Retailer | Release type | Status |
---|---|---|
KICKS CREW | Aftermarket | Aftermarket |
Nike SNKRS US | Sold Out | Sold Out |
In case you missed it, Vanessa Bryant recently showcased a ton of upcoming Kobes set to arrive during the Summer 2025 window, including the “Dodgers” Kobe 6 Protro, another Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1, and for our purposes, the Kobe 9 EM “Mambacita.”
To the uninitiated; the Kobe “Mambacita” series honors the memory of Gigi Brant, who tragically passed away in 2020. Nike and Vanessa Bryant have convened on “Mambacita” Kobe releases every year since 2022, all of which fall on Gigi’s birthday of May 1st. The series’ core palette of white, gold, and black matches Gigi’s Mamba Academy uniforms, with previous “Mambacita” designs falling on the Kobe 6, Kobe 4, and Kobe 8 in that order.
The Kobe 9 “Gigi” aka “Mambacita” features a gradient base and marbled black/white pattern over the sole, standing out with gold hits on the tongue logos, Swoosh, and added “Gigi” text over the heel. Official images might reveal some additional notable qualities, but we only have the one picture to work off so far.
As mentioned, the Kobe 9 “Gigi” aka “Mambacita” is scheduled to release on May 1st, 2025, commanding a $180 retail price. Enjoy a first look below as anticipation builds.



