GOAL gets the measure of the latest from the football zeitgeist, including boot drops for a host of stars and the Liverpool boss losing it
Welcome to the Culture & Clobber Axis, where GOAL runs the rule over all the latest from the intersection of football and culture – from the sublime to the ridiculous, to what hits and what misses completely.
We're all about new boots this week, with new clobber for the likes of Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Neymar, while a bad week for Liverpool has thrown up no shortage of delicious narrative.
But where do the week's biggest talking points from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…
adidasNew signature boots for Leo
Lionel Messi has become synonymous with adidas' iconic F50 speed boot, and he has been blessed with a new signature pair despite the fact he's closing in on his 40s – a reflection of his enduring influence on that game, which will last long beyond his retirement.
What's more, Leo has chosen 10 young ballers from the men's and women's game to wear the silver, blue and electric yellow Messi F50 Player Pack 1, including Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, the USWNT's Jaedyn Shaw and future Man City starlet Cavan Sullivan.
GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie
AdvertisementPUMA/ Off WhiteAC Milan x Off-White kits
Streetwear label Off-White have revealed their first-ever football kit to be worn on-pitch in collaboration with Italian powerhouse AC Milan and their manufacturer PUMA.
The template is spot on, featuring an all-over Off-White logo pattern, collar and cuffs. A striking red and black colourways that fades into dark green might not be for everyone, but the 'Pan-African' palette has been used to mark Black History Month.
GOAL's shout: Maverick worldie
adidasWomen's stars dominate new ads
Super Bowl week brought with it a load of big-budget ads, with women's football taking centre stage. Nike's 'So Win' campaign went live during the NFL's showcase, featuring Barcelona superstar Alexia Putellas alongside a number of the American sportswear giant's other female athletes.
adidas' latest work emerged during the week, as Putellas' club-mate Aitana Bonmati and USWNT icon Trinity Rodman starring in a series of films under the title 'You Got This' as a response to 'negative pressure'. All of this just goes to show the exponential growth of the women's game across the globe.
GOAL's shout: Maverick worldie
Getty Images SportMan City's misguided banner
Oh dear, Man City. The week after being on the receiving end of a barrage of sh*thousery from Arsenal fans, the Cityzens fans really shot themselves in the foot as they decided to mock Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior and Florentino Perez ahead of the two sides' Champions League clash.
Before kick-off, a banner was unfurled with the Oasis lyrics 'Stop crying your heart out' and an image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d'Or trophy, which he famously pipped Vini Jr to last year amid Los Blancos' incendiary decision to boycott the ceremony. However, Real Madrid would go on to snatch a last-minute winner, with Vinicius named man of the match. Ouch.
GOAL's shout: Blatant own goal