GOAL gets the measure of the latest from the football zeitgeist, including new kicks for Barcelona's wonderkid and more trouble for Man City's skipper
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 countdown to Christmas is on, and the game we all love has thrown up no shortage of talking points, including a special pair of signature adidas boots, bizarre tattoo launches and questionable brand partnerships.
But where do the week's biggest topics from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…
adidasYamal's first signature boots
A signature boot at 17 years old. SEVENTEEEN! ONE-SEVEN! Lamine Yamal is living out everyone's childhood fantasy as he continues to ball out for Barcelona despite still technically being a child himself, and adidas have already seen fit to bless him with his very own boots – the lace-less F50 LY304, a reference to his hometown postcode.
Continuing to follow in the footsteps of the GOAT Lionel Messi, Yamal has co-designed the pair of lovely, cloudy pink F50s with the German sportswear giant. He's clearly very happy with his work, beaming from ear to ear and draped in pink in a graduation-themed photoshoot to launch them. It's his world, we're just living in it.
Verdict? Blatant worldie
AdvertisementGetty/GOALRashford wants out at Man Utd
It seems Marcus Rashford's Man Utd story is finally coming to a sad ending. The jewel of Carrington, the 27-year-old has revealed he is seeking a fresh challenge after being left out of the squad for the Manchester derby, having become a pariah at Old Trafford – a consequence of his inconsistent form and off-field indiscretions in recent months.
There is not doubt that Rashford's commitment deserves to be called into question amid rumours of boozy nights out, but it is a real shame that his boyhood club are seemingly ready to cut him loose rather than try to help him through his personal issues to get him back to his best on the pitch.
Verdict? Blatant own goal
PUMA 'bounce back'
PUMA had a nightmare last week as Marc Cucurella's double slip in his brand new Future 8 boots and subsequent hissy fit caused them a marketing headache in the build-up to Christmas. What's the best thing to do in that situation? Owning it – and that's exactly what they did.
Cucurella posed next to a PUMA branded 'Caution wet floor' sign wearing the boots that he had literally binned, with similar signs popping up around London. Fair play.
Verdict? Maverick worldie
FC BarcelonaBarcelona's launch tattoo line
It's common knowledge that Barcelona are strapped for cash, but their latest money-making scheme has taken things to another level: the club has launched its very own tattoo collection.
Yes, that's right. The club has come up with 30 designs, and if you get one of them inked you will receive a certificate of authenticity, with a limited number available to mark the anniversary of the club. It's innovative, you have to give them that, but you can't help but feel that no one tattoo is more special than any other.
Verdict? Maverick own goal