Pictures: Lukas Podolski Receives Custom Adidas Ace Boots for Last-Ever Germany Match
Mar 23, 2017, by Pat
Update: Boot heads around the world were in shock when Lukas Podolski unexpectedly took the field in the Blue Blast edition of the Adidas Ace last night. Thankfully, he switched to the black and white special edition shortly after to end his international career in unique fashion.
Germany forward Lukas Podolski will make his 130th and final appearance for Germany tonight against England. To end an immensely successful international career in style, Podolski's sponsor Adidas has created a pair of custom, Germany-inspired Ace 17.1 football boots for the occasion.
Adidas Ace 17.1 Leather "Podolski" - Black / White / Red / Gold
This image shows the special boots Adidas has created for Lukas Podolski's farewell match.
Based on the already iconic Ace 17.1 Leather, a model Podolski recently switched to from the Copa 17, these Germany-infused design is split between a black heel and midfoot part and white in the front. The 3 Stripes, which sit on the outside of the model, feature the colors of the Germany flag.
Further individualizing the look are Podolski's initials and shirt number can be seen on the outstep of the boots he will wear in his last-ever Germany international game against England, while the Cologne flag on the tongue of the left shoe pays homage to his upbringing and close connection to the city. The German flag can be seen on the right shoe.
A special creations for Lukas Podolski, these boots are set to be worn just for tonight's game and are more likely to end up in a museum afterwards than go on sale to the public.
What do you think? Share your thoughts on this special creation from Adidas for Lukas Podolski in the comments below.
J.League x Pokémon: 60 Clubs, 60 Pokémon
The J.League has announced one of its most creative collaboration yet, teaming up with Pokémon for the 'Pokémon J.League Fest 'EVOLUTION!'' campaign ahead of the 2026-27 season.
All 60 clubs across J1, J2 and J3 have been paired with their own Pokémon, with the campaign following each Pokémon's evolution throughout the season across official artwork, graphics and promotional content.
The collaboration also celebrates 30 years of Pokémon (1996-2026) while building excitement for the new J.League campaign, which kicks off on 7 August.
Fans attending matches will receive one of one million exclusive EVO BAGs, each featuring Pikachu alongside the home club's partner Pokémon.
This isn't the first crossover between the two either. Back in 2014, the J.League and Pokémon launched the Family Join Days campaign, where young supporters received exclusive Pikachu trading cards at stadiums.
If your favorite club could be paired with any Pokémon, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
Hoffenheim Call Out Twitter Accounts Promoting Fake Kits
German club TSG Hoffenheim has taken a humorous approach to address a growing trend on social media involving the promotion of counterfeit football shirts. The club's official account posted a sarcastic message mimicking the exact language used by accounts that advertise fake kits. The post claimed to have found a really cool site for authentic shirts of top quality and insisted the endorsement was entirely voluntary, before directing users to a link in the replies.
Instead of linking to a counterfeit retailer, Hoffenheim's reply simply provided the URL to their official club shop. The joke directly targets a widespread practice on social media where various football-focused accounts promote unauthorized replica stores. In exchange for posting these scripted advertisements, the account owners typically receive a small number of free fake kits, valued at around 35 Euros, rather than monetary compensation.
1. FC Nürnberg 26-27 Home Kit Leaked - Official Pictures
The first real pictures of the 1. FC Nürnberg 2026-27 home kit have been leaked online by @Bundesleaker. Made by Adidas, the new FC Nürnberg 2026-27 home jersey will be worn in the UPCOMING 2. Bundesliga season.
Iwate Grulla Morioka 26-27 Home, Away & Goalkeeper Kits Released
Japan Football League team Iwate Grulla Morioka have unveiled new kit collection for 2026-27 season. The designs are made by famous English brand Umbro.
The four kits share two different templates: The white home kit and pink goalkeeper home kit features 3-D diagonal graphic with gradient effect, whereas the red away kit and yellow goalkeeper away kit use outlined stripes along with black and white details.
What do you think of Iwate Grulla Morioka 2026-27 kits? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Koper FC 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Slovenian PrvaLiga runners-up Koper FC have introduced their three new kits for 2026-27 season, partner with Macron for the 7th consecutive season.
The home kit featuring a striking yellow base with liquid-like pattern and blue trims. The same design is applied for the third kit, using black and gold as its colorway.
The away kit, on the other hand, uses a reverse pallete compared to the home kit, adding the city's skyline graphic across the chest.
What do you think of Koper FC 2026-27 kits? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.