The Moment CR7 Knew Juve Was Next

England and Croatia both just had the world stop for over 90 minutes as they duked it out for a place in the World Cup 2018 Finals. Before that, Belgium and France, the third and seventh-ranked teams in the world, squared off in an equally intense semi-final to quite possibly the most exciting World Cup to date. Yet, headlining the world tabloids still was not that Samuel Umtiti header or the World Cup at all, but rather, again on Cristiano Ronaldo. The star Portuguese forward who just won his third consecutive Champions League final with Real Madrid, has personally opted to be traded to an unlikely spot… the Italian champions Juventus.

What may come as a surprise to many, is, in fact, a divorce that has been years in the making. Ronaldo’s decision to leave the club he dreamt of as a child quite simply comes down to his treatment by the man who brought that dream to life: Real Madrid President Florentino Perez. To start, Perez has a reputation for ruthlessly instating his Galacticos policy of bringing world-class talent in every summer transfer period. Amongst the elite footballers, we’ve seen the likes of Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Lima to Luka Modrić, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo; all of which brought the spotlight and silverware back to the Santiago Bernabéu. However, in doing so, Perez notably has gained a reputation of avoiding defensive-minded talent, budding into in-game managerial decisions and focusing the club’s interests more on its marketing rather than the longevity of its playing success.

In comes Ronaldo, a player who in his nine-year tenure at the club has won fifteen trophies — which include two Copa Del Rey’s, two La Liga titles along with four Champions League titles and four Ballon D’or’s to cement his place at the top of the totem pole. Despite these unbelievable achievements, Ronaldo has felt unappreciated by Los Blancos, apparent in his contract quarrels with Perez and the lack of support he received from the club following his five-match suspension back in the 2017-2018 season.

Perhaps Perez is a genius in allowing Ronaldo, who turns 34 in February, to walk and in doing so receive a healthy return ($100 million and free up $55 million in wages). However, logic leads us to believe otherwise, for the question mark still surround Madrid who many believe isn’t managed properly, and is entirely attack-minded and won much of its Champions League and La Liga success on the heels of Ronaldo’s 450 goals and 138 assists.

So why Juve? Why not Paris-Saint Germain or rather his other home, Old Trafford? I believe the Portuguese international made that decision back in April, upon getting up from one of the greatest bicycle kicks to date against the very club he’s decided to join. Instead of boos and jeers from a group of supporters who’ve seen Real Madrid end their Champions League dreams twice in the past three season, Ronaldo was shocked to witness a round of applause by the Bianconeri faithful. It’s in that moment that he felt the appreciation he’s longed for in the Spanish capital and is what has led him to add black stripes to the iconic white kit he has donned over the years.

Time will be the ultimate decider on whether Perez is indeed a genius by instead reeling in a Harry Kane, Eden Hazard, or Neymar. Or rather, perhaps it’s Ronaldo that takes a page out of Tom Brady’s book and fights back father time by proving he is the G.O.A.T., and in doing so bring Juventus its first Champions League title since 1996.

ANIMAL PRINT STEPS OUT OF THE JUNGLE AND ON TO THE PITCH

For anyone that calls themselves a sneakerhead… in fact, most that are even remotely into sneaker culture will have seen at the very least one footwear iteration that boasts Nike‘s synonymous animal-inspired patterns & prints, be it from an Animal Pack or a Safari drop. The soccer realm, however, has finally received its long awaited follow up, Mercurial CR7 Safari being the first, into the animal kingdom – despite the amount of flash out on the market – thanks to renown fashion designer and director Kim Jones‘ efforts with Nike’s Mercurial Superfly 360. Cast in a blazing “Total Orange,” the boots’ upper brought on an all-over display of Cheetah-print, which in our opinion puts this design miles ahead of the game.

Now, you may be wondering why the ex-men’s artistic director at Louis Vuitton and the now current artistic director at Dior Homme is adopting the pattern of a cheetah onto not just a shoe, but a soccer boot at that. The reason behind the design is refreshingly straightforward. “I grew up in Africa and have always admired the strength of animals. The cheetah is the fastest land animal, so it makes complete sense as an inspiration for me,” the designer tells Nike News. Jones is not the only one who within the past month has decided to put their creative touch on a soccer boot.

We of course have Virgil Abloh – who coincidentally took over Jones’ role at LV if for some strange reason you haven’t heard that news already – and his Off-White take on yet another Nike Mercurial: the Vapor 360s. However, his design has the people divided, with one side approving of the Off-White stamp, and the other questioning the authenticity of his involvement in the game. In Kim Jones’ case, there’s no statement given by the man that makes it sound like he’s a soccer head, but rather a nonchalant (and perhaps more believable) mention that he likes the sport. The focus of his shoe then lies on the purpose of the design and its aforementioned link back to Jones’ upbringing in Kenya and Botswana.

For us at Kicks to the Pitch, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 360 x Kim Jones boot falls exactly into our niche category of lifestyle and soccer, given the brand heritage of animal print, and how the Mercurials also followed the release of Nike’s Air Max 1 collaboration with Japanese sneaker and streetwear imprint Atmos. While animals patterns have been a recurring theme for not just Nike, but within the sneaker realm as a whole – think Vans, Supreme, Stussy, adidas, Jordan Brand, Reebok… the list goes on – Nike is without a doubt the head of the pack when it comes to tapping into the animal kingdom’s artwork. In fact, Nike and Atmos together have played a big role in imbuing the sneaker landscape with unmatched efforts in animal print; a case in point being the 2007 Atmos x Nike Air Max 1, Dunk & Court Force “Beast Pack.”

The recent release of the Atmos x Nike “Animal Pack,” however, which features the fur from the Leopard, Tiger, Zebra, Giraffe, and Horse, takes the whole animal print game to the next level. The combination of all five animals comes from the mind of Atmos’ creative director Hirofumi Kojima, and represents yet another example of when Nike trusts an outside creative to run with their wild ideas. Another example of that being Nike’s “What the” Dunks, and more recently the “What The” Mercurials. With the animal print – and the “What The” design for that matter – having expanded outside of lifestyle and into soccer territory, who knows what else we may be seeing in the near future, especially since the sport of soccer is really starting to make its way into more facets of both the mainstream and niche creative industries. Let’s just hope we get to see more authenticity within what’s to come as opposed to bandwagon jumping.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 360 x Kim Jones images by Richard Gordon

BTS EA SPORTS FIFA 18 LAUNCH COMMERCIAL W/ JAMES HARDEN

FIFA fever is in full swing. Not even a week since launch and the internet is ablaze with FIFA 18 hashtags and FUT screen caps with endless “You don’t want it” tweets. EA has taken advantage of FIFA’s ever-expanding reach by blending other sports and cover stars from games within their catalogue. The latest FIFA 18 launch video features NBA superstar James Harden. We were lucky enough to be on hand for the shoot and put together a nice little behind the scenes montage for our KTTP familia. 

Also make sure to have a look at the finished product below.

EA FIFA 18 REVEAL FUELED BY RONALDO

When people ask “What else is left for Cristiano Ronaldo to win?” After a jaw-dropping year in which he won nearly every award and trophy imaginable, the Portuguese striker as of today has claimed another one of the sports most prestigious honors. Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the official EA Fifa 18 cover star. Not only has it been a long time coming, but it’s well deserved and fitting as CR7 has been one of Fifa’s best players for years. To honor the recent news EA released a reveal trailer. Check it out below and keep it locked for more news regarding EA Fifa 18 in the days and weeks to come.

 

BEST 11 SOCCER BOOTS OF 2016

For all the flack 2016 got, it was pretty solid year for soccer boots. From wildly progressive tech, to the re-imagining of classics, from the super-limited, to milestone/commemorative cleats that resemble pieces of art  more than athletic wear, soccer boots are reaching new levels of culture never seen before. More than ever the beautiful game is blending with outside forces and worlds which naturally, reflect in the products.

Unlike an off-pitch streetwear kit, or soccer inspired sneaker, the soccer boot still needs to perform on the pitch. All the more reason to praise a quality design and aesthetic within the confines of function. It is what that in mind that we take a look at our favorite boots of 2016.  

1. Nike Mercurial Superfly “Vitorias”

Created for Cristiano Ronaldo, The Nike Mercurial Superfly “Vitorias” was a commemorative masterpiece.  The gorgeous boots honored CR7’s stellar year in which he captured a fourth Ballon d’Or, third UCL title and his first European title with Portugal. The boots apply look like a trophy but maintain the quality and lightweight tech the silo was built upon. The boots are dressed in a pristine pure platinum upper and light blue tint that fades from heel to toe. The metallic gold plated sole-plate is a nod to the trophies Ronaldo has accumulated and the words “Vitorias” (Portuguese for victory) grace the sole cup with a number for 777 pairs that were created.  

 

2. adidas Ace 16 + Purecontrol custom “Viper Pack”

The Ace 16 + Purecontrol was already a game changer boasting a laceless tech fit design, primeknit upper and Purecut collar. But these custom “Viper Pack” boots created for Paul Pogba to rock in the Manchester derby, were next level.  Evoking the venom and power of the French starlet’s game, these bad-boys featured a menacing grey/black snake skin upper with minimal red accents on the collar and heel tabs, that latter laced with the words “Pogback.” 

 

3. Puma King “Made in Italy”

There’s very few silos that can be mentioned in the pantheon of eternal soccer boots with the Puma King. In 2016 the classic silo received an elegant resurrection worthy of it’s 48 year history. Tasking Italian shoe makers to fashion the boot, the quality of the Puma King “Made in Italy” is obvious and second to none. Boasting high-grade leather, intricate hand-stitching on a timeless silhouette, the Puma King “Made in Italy” evoked nostalgia and craftsmanship rarely seen in modern times.   

 

4. Nike Tiempo Legend “Pirlo”

The Tiempo is Nike Soccer’s foundation in which it built its empire. Of all the greats that have worn the silo in its various iterations, you could argue that Andrea Pirlo encompasses the subtle quality of the boot more than anyone. Created in the latest Tiempo silo, the “Pirlo” was a fitting nod to the Italian maestro and his wine making roots. The trade mark k-leather upper is dipped in a deep burgundy similar to that of a Merlot, while the sole inserts are dressed in cork and feature Pirlo’s elegant logo. Four gold stars sit on the heel counter and plate, one for each of Italy’s World Cup titles. The boots even come in wine box made of wood and stuffed with shavings for protection. 

 

5. Nike Mercurial Superfly “EA Sports”

In honor of EA Sports Fifa’s 20 year history, the Mercurial Superfly “EA Sports” were a jaw-dropping  and colorful, limited release. Bright hues of orange, pink, and green were built into 16-bit digital print that faded into an a crisp HD design, a stellar nod to the progression in graphics of the games timeline. A wild iridescent, metallic  covered the sole-plate while an EA Sports logo and numbering out of 1500 detailed the heel counter. An equally stunning silver, iridescent foil and digital embossing covered the shoe box which the shoes came in. 

 

6. Neymar X Jordan Hypervenom II

A milestone, the Neymar X Jordan Hypervenom II marked Jordan Brand’s first foot-steps into the beautiful game. There’s little argument that Neymar is a perfect poster boy for the historic boots, but so too is the Hypervenom silo. The mustang fighter jet markings seen on the Jordan 5’s are a classic trademark and dress perfectly on the boot. The cement print evokes classic Jordan4 DNA as does the black and grey colorway. A Jumpman logo graces the heel cup and and embroidered number 23 sits on the right while Neymars number 10 sits on the left.   

 

7. adidas Glitch

The glitch makes this list because it is arguably the biggest game changer of the year. Less a boot and more a concept, the Glitch was fashioned with unparalleled customization in mind. Players could change the entire make up of their boots on the fly via unique, interchangeable skins and an inner boot. Adding further progressive context, the boots/skins were not release via standard retailers or online vessels but rather an app. Access to the app is only available through word of mouth from hand selected soccer athletes chosen by adidas.  

 

8. Puma evoTouch “Derby Fever” Santi Carzorla Edition

Not to be outdone by the big two in soccer brands, Puma joined the commemorative soiree withe their “Derby Fever” releases.  Two separate iterations were created for Puma athletes Antoine Griezman and Santi Carzorla leading up to their respect Derby clashes, we favored theblatter to make the list. Dropping in a an Arsenal inspired colorway, with a commemorative nod to the North London Derby on the toe box and unique “Derby Fever” logo on the lateral side of the boots, the evoTouch proved a worthy canvas. As expected the tech remained featuring a buttery K-leather with evoKnit sock for unmatched touch.

 

9. New Balance Visaro “Signal Edition”

Inspired by the coloration of the poisonous dart frog, the Visaro “Signal Edition” showed some shocking endeavor from New Balance. The royal blue and black frog-skin print was a bold, refreshing and entirely unique aesthetic. As with all of the boots on this list the Visaro “Signal Edition” maintained the tech that makes it what many consider to be New Balance’s best Silo, albeit in limited quantities. 

 

10. Copa 17 “Crowning Glory”

The re-imagining of one of the greatest soccer boots of all time was a massive undertaking. Luckily adidas succeeded in the execution by resurrecting the heart and structure of the beloved Copa Mundial. The Copa 17 employed modern tech with a flexible neoprene tongue along with a classic, k-leather upper, reinforced heel cup and sole-plate for an unrivaled touch in durability. While it was only the 2nd colorway for the Copa, the “Crowning Glory” was a gorgeous touch that paid homage to the great players that have donned the legendary boot over the decades.   

 

11. Nike Magista II “Floodlights Pack”

After a two year run the Magista received an innovative upgrade fitting of the revolutionary silo. Taking inspiration from the pruning of hands, an evolutionary trait that allows humans to grip under wet conditions. The Magista II was a work in sensory amplification. Made of varying peaks fashioned from flyknit, the higher peaks are strategically placed in high touch zones, which are also marked by different coloration. The “Floodlights” Magista II  features a vibrantly rich aqua with a volt swoosh and accents that had us salivating.