ADIDAS PREDATOR MANIA: ICONIC BOOTS & THE LEGENDS THAT DONNED THEM
adidas have just dropped a remake of arguably the greatest boots ever made.
As part of their Made in Germany campaign, the German sportswear giant have created a like for like design featuring upgraded modern studs. We NEED to get our hands on a pair ASAP.
With this latest drop of an iconic boot showcased by Mania wearing legend Alessandro Del Piero, we got thinking of our own boot x legend combinations. Check out some of our picks below, and of course let us know if we missed any clangers, you always do...
adidas Predator Pulse | Frank Lampard
Chelsea superstar and legend Frank Lampard has been known to wear plenty of adidas classics, but we feel the blue Predator Pulse were his most iconic.
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Nike Total 90 Zoom III Gold | Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is probably more widely remembered for wearing the Total 90 Lasers during the latter stages of his career, however he made his Manchester United debut in these iconic gold Total 90 Zoom III, scoring a hat trick to boot...
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adidas Predator Mania OG | Zinedine Zidane
So many world class players wore the original black and red adidas Predator Mania, not many came close to what Zizou did in them though. His goal in the 2002 Champions League final is still thought of as the greatest of all time.
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adidas Predator Mania White | David Beckham
David Beckham was another who cemented these boots in the annals of history. He was known for wearing the various different colour ways offered by adidas, often matching them with his kits. You wouldn't expect anything else from this Brylcream sponsoring style icon.
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Umbro Speciali | Michael Owen
Michael Owen was a true brand ambassador, his loyalty to Umbro knew no bounds. He exploded onto the scene for Liverpool as a teenager and truly etched his name in England and Umbro folklore during the 1998 World Cup, scoring that goal against Argentina in the iconic Speciali.
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Diadora Pro Brasil | Roy Keane
Several legends of the game wore the Diadora Pro Brasil, Roberto Baggio, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt... but Roy Keane made them his own. He dominated the midfield in these during the 1998 Champions League run, eventually lifting the trophy in these no nonsense delights.
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Nike Mercurial R9 | Ronaldo
The most notable version of the Nike Mercurial range, specifically made for and worn by Ronaldo Nazario during the infamous 1998 World Cup. The image of them draped around his neck forever burned into the minds of all who have witnessed it.
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Puma King | Diego Maradona
I don't need to tell you anything here... Diego Maradona, 1986 World Cup, Puma Kings, THAT goal against England (not that one), lifting the World Cup... Epochal.
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adidas adiPURE | Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos' love for his adidas adiPure's is a rare, pure affection. It's extremely rare in the modern world of football to see a player wear out of season boots, especially the same pair for so many seasons. This dedication from the German midfield maestro shows great testament to the quality and performance of this particular adidas boot.
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adidas F50i | Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is known for wearing a variety of adidas boots, famously wearing their lower tier F30 TUNiT range during the 2006 season with Barcelona. His most remembered boot however is the above F50i, which came off during his headed goal in the 2009 Champions League Final against Manchester United. Instead of putting it back on he ran around with it in his hands and occasionally kissing it.
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Nike Mercurial Vapour II | Cristiano Ronaldo
The above image was taken during the 2004 FA Cup Final, which was played between Manchester United and Millwall. This is my first memory of Cristiano, I remember him dazzling defenders with step overs, chops and even an audacious rabona cross... all whilst wearing the flashiest boots I'd ever laid eyes on.
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adidas Copa Mundial | Lothar Matthaus
We finish with a constant classic, Copa Mundial's have been sold since 1979 and are still available today. They have been worn by countless legends and to this day you still see them every week in the Premier League and around the world, albeit on the feet of the officials and coaches.
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And who could forget these classic link ups with Reebok & Asics?!
