Only Goalkeeper Ever To Win The Ballon D’Or - Adidas Predator 18 Lev Yashin Gloves Released
May 5, 2018, by Pat
More pictures of the Adidas Lev Yashin goalkeeper gloves have been revealed. 55 years since Lev Yashin won the Ballon D’Or, Adidas honors the career of the goalkeeper (the only goalkeeper ever to receive the Ballon d'Or).
Celebrating the legacy of Lev Yashin, former goalkeeper for Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union, Adidas have released a pair special-edition Predator 18 gloves. Regarded by many as the best keeper of all time, Yashin (nickname: "Black Spider") won the Ballon d'Or in 1963 and remains the only shot stopper to ever receive it.
Adidas Predator 18 Lev Jaschin
This is the only picture released by Adidas of the new Lev Yashin Predator gloves.
Being a German brand, Adidas opted for the German transcription of Yashin's name which is why the gloves are officially called Predator 18 Lev Jaschin.
The gloves are black and orange with, based on the Predator 18 Pro model and featuring Yashin's shirt number '1' as well as a more subtle 'Ballon d'Or 1963' inscription inside the orange panels on the upper. More subtle still, Yashin's signature can be found on the strap.
Adidas Predator 18 Gloves - Features
- Targeted, engineered construction supports optimal ball grip
- Nova 3.5 mm latex with 4 mm cushioning developed to the specific characteristics of adidas match balls
- Negative cut for tight and snug fit; Seamless, close-fitting bandage around wrist
- Stretch strap creates an ideal, stable fit
- Allover graphic print and silicone "1" on back
- RRP: GBP 100 (EUR 120)
The Adidas Predator Lev Yashin gloves are already available to buy.
What do you think? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below. Click here for the first details on the Adidas 2018 World Cup goalkeeper gloves.
Special Rayados 'Legado 86' Commemorative Kit Released
Mexican side CF Monterrey and Puma have officially unveiled a special commemorative jersey, titled the Jersey Legado 86. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Monterrey's first-ever Liga MX league championship won in the Mexico 1986 tournament, the commemorative shirt made its on-pitch debut during their 26-27 Liga MX match against Cruz Azul.
The shirt's defining characteristic is the substitution of the modern club crest with the classic 1986 retro emblem, which showcases the historic mountain silhouette, vintage football, and classic club lettering. Puma positioned their red cat logo and the retro crest to replicate the arrangement seen on the original 1986 jersey, while modern club partners such as BBVA and Codere are incorporated across the traditional navy and white stripes.
Several bespoke detailing elements complete the design, including a star graphic with the number 86 printed inside the collar and the current Rayados crest positioned on the nape of the neck. Released in a limited run of 1,986 pieces, the collector's item pays homage to one of the most celebrated moments in the club's history.
FC Kaiserslautern 26-27 Special Kit Released
Bundesliga 2 side 1. FC Kaiserslautern have officially unveiled their special 2026-27 'Herz der Pfalz' (Heart of the Palatinate) kit. Made by Castore, the shirt debuted against Eintracht Braunschweig and celebrates the region's wine culture and late-summer wine festivals.
The special shirt features a light beige base with a darker stylized grapevine pattern, while Bordeaux-red details appear on the collar, cuffs and monochrome Castore and FCK logos. The 'Herz der Pfalz' wording is placed on the upper back, with additional lettering inside the collar.
What do you think of the new 1. FC Kaiserslautern 2026-27 special kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Various Argentine Clubs To Switch Kit Supplier
Following latest reports from Argentine kit expert Marca de Gol, various Argentine clubs are expected to change kit supplier for the upcoming 2027 season.
Notably, four top flight sides could already be on their way to partner with local brand Atomik: Vélez Sársfield, Atlético Talleres, Gimnasia La Plata and Atlético Tucumán. On the other hand, Italian brand Givova are seemingly losing two teams - Gimnasia as mentioned above and Atlético Unión to Fiume Sports.
Which of these supplier change do you look forward the most? Let us know in the comments.
Puma Kit Durability Questioned Again as Julian Ryerson Suffers Ripped Shorts
Borussia Dortmund full-back Julian Ryerson suffered an unusual kit malfunction during BVB's 1-0 Bundesliga victory against VfB Stuttgart. Midway through the second half, the Norwegian international engaged in a physical duel with Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling. As Leweling fell to the turf, he grabbed hold of Ryerson's shorts, completely tearing the outer seam apart and leaving the fabric hanging loose.
Ryerson initially attempted to carry on playing by knotting the shredded material at his hip. After repeatedly signaling toward the bench that the damaged kit could not hold up, he eventually made his way to the sideline. Second-choice goalkeeper Alexander Meyer rushed over to hand him a fresh pair, resulting in a brief moment where Ryerson was left in his base-layer yellow undershorts before donning the replacement gear and re-entering the pitch.
The incident has brought Puma's kit durability back under scrutiny. The German brand constructs its authentic elite kits using lightweight Ultraweave performance fabric, prioritizing minimal weight and high breathability. However, the delicate material has repeatedly faced criticism among supporters after tearing in high-intensity tussles, with Ryerson's mishap marking another visible tear on the Bundesliga stage this 26-27 season.
Monterrey Debuts Special Coca-Cola 100th Anniversary Kit Font
CF Monterrey sported a special commemorative nameset on their 26-27 Puma home kit during their Liga MX match against Cruz Azul at Estadio BBVA. The bespoke squad numbers and lettering were created in collaboration with longtime club partner Coca-Cola to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary in Mexico (1926-2026).
The font features an eye-catching textured look inspired by traditional Mexican artisan beadwork. Rendered in a bold red base adorned with intricate white, green, and red jewel-like accents reflecting the national flag, each number also integrates a subtle Rayados crest at the base. Positioned neatly above the numbers is the official red Coca-Cola 100 México anniversary script and lockup.
Alongside its on-pitch appearance with the first team, the commemorative nameset was released as an exclusive collector's edition. Only 100 supporters were given the opportunity to customize their 26-27 home shirt with the special font directly at the official Estadio BBVA club store.