Top 5 adidas boots as worn by Zinedane Zidane
Mon, Dec 05.22
Behind a La Liga, Champions League and FIFA World Cup winner, there are multiple pairs of iconic Predators worn by king Zizou.
Upon reflecting on Zidane’s long playing career, we had picked out his top five boots that still often remain in our minds.
Zidane’s Boot History, From Copa to Predator
Widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, Zinedane Zidane has made his impact on the beautiful game with many jaw dropping moments. But behind all of his success, which pair of boots come to mind?
Here’s our top 5 in chronological order:
1. Copa Mundial (1994)
Most of us would remember seeing Zidane in different generations of the adidas Predator, but did you know he actually wore the Copa Mundial as a 22 year old whilst debuting for France?
It only took him 40 minutes to score on his debut for the national team. No doubt, it was a screamer, and 3 minutes later he scored again to draw his team level with Czech Republic.
A memorable introduction for Zidane into the French national team, matched with a pair of classical boots - the Copa Mundial.
Much like a retro car, any player who owns a pair of Copa Mundials will say that they are the best boots to have ever been made.
Introduced in the 70s - almost no changes have been made to date, which shows how great of a boot this is. Especially when it comes to comfort and fit. Immediately recognisable, the soft black leather upper, fold over tongue and simple stitching design makes it a nostalgic no-nonsense boot. No wonder why it was once on Zidane’s foot!
By no surprise, Zidane was labeled as the face of the Predator franchise by adidas shortly after.
2. Predator Accelerator (1998)
1998 World Cup Final, Zidane scores twice, wins the match and becomes a national hero. On foot - the Predator Precision. An eye-catching mix of heritage and innovation made it the best boot on the market.
The signature rubber elements on the forefoot with bold three-stripes on the lateral side of the boot, along with a traditional fold-over tongue really became the base for the Predator franchise from here on.
3. Predator Precision (2000)
Euro 2000 saw Zidane lead France to victory and also be awarded the player of the tournament.
This entire campaign saw him wearing the Predator Precision, a silhouette update following the 98 Accelerator.
Here, the Predator had transitioned from bold rubber fins, to more elegant and lighter rubber ribs which was believed to produce increased curve on the ball whilst reducing weight on the boot.
Did this give Zizou an extra edge in the tournament? Adidas would say so.
4. Predator Mania (2002)
The boots Zidane famously wore when he got the whole world off their seats by scoring that sublime volley past Bayern Leverkusen in the Champions League final of 2002.
Continuing the signature Black/Red/White colourway for this sixth generation of the adidas Predator, it was another stand out season being played out on Zidane’s feet.
Arguably the most elegant of the generations - the improved placement of the tongue kept the laces tucked in without distraction, while an added heel counter gave the boots additional heel protection and ankle support. Top innovation appreciated by any midfielder at the time.
The boots, the volley, the champions league final victory for Real Madrid instantly made this an iconic moment the football world will never forget.
5. Predator Absolute (2006)
To round off the list, we have the Predator Absolutes which Zidane infamously wore in his last ever match as a professional football player in the 2006 World Cup.
As most of the attention closed in on his headbutt towards Materazzi, boot nerds all around the world appreciated the gold Absolutes on his feet. Zizou went on taking out the Golden ball award which gave this pair an even more meaningful story.
Interested in a pair? Shop the Limited Edition adidas Predator Absolute remakes now at Ultra Football. Numbers are tight so get in quick.
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