GOAL gets the measure of the latest from the football zeitgeist, including the Real Madrid star's shirt choice, the return of an iconic boot and more
Welcome to the Culture & Clobber Axis, where GOAL runs the rule over the latest goings-on at the intersection of football and culture – from the sublime to the ridiculous, the beautiful to the hideous, what's very hot and what's definitely not.
The New Year is gathering pace and there is plenty to catch up on, including a retro new look for Jude Bellingham, the possible return of a grailed adidas Predator and the Moyesiah's move back to Goodison Park.
But where do the week's biggest topics from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…
adidas tease golden Zidane Preds
adidas have hit the ground running in 2025 with the launch of Predator 25 and a sizzling red colourway, and there is no sign of the German sportswear behemoth slowing up.
Buried in the brilliant launch video for the new boot, adidas teased the re-release of Zinedine Zidane's gold Predator Precision from 2001 – given to him after he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2000. The French icon is seen entering a bank vault before unboxing the classic Preds and saying, "Let's go". We can't wait to see how these turn out.
GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie
AdvertisementArt of Football/ GilletteArt of Football x Gillette
Sure, Charli XCX's brat summer was great, but real ones know the soundtrack of those heady few months of intermittent sunshine was actually 'The Best a Man Can Get' from the Gillette adverts. Tom Grennan's reimagined version of the 1989 tune somehow became the unofficial soundtrack of England's run to the final of Euro 2024, and its impact has now been recognised.
Men's grooming brand Gillette has teamed up with Nottingham-based nostalgia specialists Art of Football to create a vintage shirt to immortalise this moment in football culture. The 80s design features a nice big white collar, blue and black geometric print, embroidered crest and, of course, Gillette's branding and 'The Best a Man Can Get' tagline as the sponsor. If that wasn't already good enough, all profits will be donated to the charity Football Beyond Borders.
GOAL's shout: Maverick worldie
Getty Images SportRaya's dire diving
The FA Cup is back for 2025, and Manchester United produced some magic by overcoming Arsenal on penalties despite playing most of the second half and extra time with 10 men.
United's penalties were flawless, but Gunners stopper David Raya was called out after the game for some pretty unorthodox diving – going way too early and launching himself in the wrong direction like Superman for pretty much every kick.
GOAL's shout: Maverick own goal
PSG x Jordan Wings
Paris Saint-Germain have done the world capital of style justice down the years with their collaborations with Nike's Jordan, and they are back with the fresh 'WINGS' collection for 2025.
The capsule will land just in time for fashion week in the city, including PSG's latest 'Jumpman' fourth kit that has been designed to have long sleeves to make space for the wing motifs that are a nod to the link between the two brands, and luxury pieces that blur the lines between sportswear and luxury. .
GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie
