Why Is Gerard Pique Only Wearing Blackout Boots in Barcelona's Training Sessions?
FC Barcelona's center back Gerard Pique, who has been sponsored by Nike for the past few years, has been lacing up in blackout Nike Tiempo Legend 6 Soccer Cleats in all of Barcelona's recent training session. And even though he switched back to branded Nike Tiempo Legend VI Boots for Barcelona's official matches each time, there logically still emerges the question why he is only wearing blackout boots when training. So let's consult the most likely reasons.
Gerard Pique Laces Up in Blackout Nike Tiempo Legend 6 Boots in All of Barcelona's Training Session
Close-up pictures of the blackout boots worn by Gerard Pique.
The first and most obvious option why Gerard Piqué is wearing blackout boots would be that he is not 100% happy with the standard edition of the next-gen Nike Tiempo Legend 6 Boots and therefore received a modified version of the cleats from Nike. However, while this option is usually most likely, the close-up pictures reveal that he is wearing what is almost certain a non-modified blackout version of the boots. So let's see what's the second option.
The second most likely option would be that Piqué is set to leave the Swoosh and therefore wears unbranded boots. However, as their are neither any rumors that he could leave Nike and as he always switched back to branded boots for official matches, that's anything but likely in this case. However, we still have a completely different suspicion, and for us this hunch is the most likely one.
Dónde están las míticas botas negras de toda la vida? pic.twitter.com/qbqj2rvreB
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) April 4, 2015We think that Piqué's reason for wearing blackout boots is that he just don't like any colorful elements on football boots and therefore opts for blackout boots whenever it's possible. He even wrote on Twitter that he would miss the "classic mystic black boots" almost one year ago, which makes this option not less likely.
Do you think that we are on the right track this time? Let us know in the comments below.
FIFA Changes Brazil Goalkeeper Kit for Scotland Match
FIFA has implemented a late change to Brazil's goalkeeper kit for their 2026 World Cup Group C encounter with Scotland. Initially slated to wear a red outfit, the Brazilian goalkeeper will now wear green for the match on June 24.
The reasons for the switch are not known.
Official match kit graphics confirm the switch, showing the Brazil goalkeeper in a dark green jersey, paired with matching dark green shorts and socks. This green kit is one of the primary options in Brazil's wardrobe for the tournament. Their opponents, Scotland, will have their goalkeeper dressed in a grey kit.
The update was brought to attention by Brazilian kit specialists Mantos do Futebol. The released FIFA match kit table visually confirms the swap from the originally planned red Nike goalkeeper shirt to the green alternative, alongside the outfield kits of both nations.
Nike Creates Personalized Mercurial Superfly 11 Boots for Kylian Mbappé's France Goal Record
Nike has presented Kylian Mbappé with a personalized pair of Mercurial Superfly 11 boots to celebrate his record as France's all-time top goalscorer. The special edition boots were created to commemorate his milestone of 58 goals for the national team, a record he reached ahead of his 100th cap.
The bespoke boots feature several unique design elements to honor his achievement. The number 58 is prominently displayed on the lateral heel, accompanied by a small French tricolor flag positioned near the heel collar. Additionally, the sole plate is completely customized in the colors of the French flag, adding a distinct national touch to the standard Mercurial Superfly 11 silhouette.
Mbappé debuted the new boots during the match vs Iraq. As a custom creation specifically designed to mark his record-breaking achievement, the personalized boots remain exclusive to the player and will not be available for public retail release.
Nara Club 26-27 Kits Released
Japanese J3 League side Nara Club have officially released their new 2026-27 kits, produced by Squadra. The new shirts feature a bespoke design centered around the concept "God Deer Pulse" (神鹿の鼓動), paying homage to the sacred deer of Nara.
The collection includes home, away, and goalkeeper kits that all utilize the same thematic template with intricate graphic patterns across the body.
Pre-sales for the new Nara Club 2026-27 kits began on June 22.
UCAN Enters Europe: FC Volendam 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new FC Volendam 2026-27 home kit has been officially released, marking the first foray into the European market for the club's new technical sponsor, UCAN, a Chinese brand.
The design pays tribute to local culture, serving as an ode to Volendamse schilderkunst (Volendam painting art) with a unique graphic pattern incorporated into the traditional orange base. The FC Volendam 2026-27 home kit is available to purchase through the club's official fanshop and webshop.
Adidas Celebrates Messi Breaking the All-Time World Cup Goalscoring Record
Lionel Messi has officially become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, netting his 17th goal in Argentina's match against Austria on June 22, 2026. To celebrate this historic milestone, Adidas immediately published a dedicated graphic on their social media channels, crowning their signature athlete with the caption RECORD BREAKER. HISTORY MAKER. The goal moves Messi past Miroslav Klose's long-standing record of 16 World Cup goals.
The achievement comes just days after Messi scored a hat-trick earlier in the tournament to tie the record. During this historic 2026 World Cup run, Messi has been wearing the Adidas F50 'El Último Tango' signature boots.
Burgos CF 26-27 Away Kit Released
The new Burgos CF 2026-27 away kit was officially released today. Made by Macron, the new Burgos Club de Fútbol 2026-27 away jersey introduces an elegant design featuring a black base combined with gold accents and a subtle crown motif referencing the club's tradition.
A special detail on the back of the neck reads the honorific city motto, "Hay un oro que no se compra... se hereda" (There are values you can't buy... you inherit them), completing the classy look for the Spanish La Liga 2 side.
European National Teams Reimagined With Germany Home Shirt Template
Football kit account @The_Kit_Parade has reimagined various European national teams using Germany's 2026 World Cup home shirt template.
The graphic applies the distinct pattern to countries including England, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Sweden. While the design adapts seamlessly to neutral and white bases, with the Irish, Dutch, and Welsh concepts receiving particular praise from fans, others like the Spanish edition proved more divisive due to clashing colors.
Official Images: Al Hilal 26-27 Home Kit Leaked
New images of the Al Hilal 2026-27 home kit have been leaked, giving us a better look at the design for the upcoming Saudi Pro League season. The images, originally shared by @a_z055 and @MidanAlAtqam, reveal the official jersey the players will be wearing on the pitch.
Made by Puma, the Al Hilal 2026-27 home jersey features the club's traditional blue base color. The design incorporates a subtle graphic design.
The Puma Al Hilal 2026-27 home shirt is expected to be officially launched in the coming weeks ahead of the new campaign.
1. FC Köln 26-27 Home Kit Spotted for Sale
The first-ever Adidas 1. FC Köln 2026-27 home kit has been spotted for sale ahead of its expected launch on July 1, 2026. Images shared by our partners @insidemueng confirm classic design featuring a V-neck collar and fine tone-on-tone stripes across the front.
The new shirt incorporates embroidered logos, including a notably smaller Rewe sponsor logo, and is finished with subtle black accents. This marks the beginning of the club's new partnership with Adidas starting from the 2026-27 season.
