Never Seen Before: Adidas Predator Mania, Precision and Accelerator Prototypes
It's always interesting when discarded boot or shirt prototypes resurface, giving us a look at what could have been. Recently, boot seller @classicsoccercleats has been showing off some concepts produced during the design phase of what is considered by many to be the best boot of all time, the Adidas Predator Mania, as well as its predecessors, the Accelerator and the Precision. You can check out the images below.
Previously Unseen Adidas Predator Prototypes
These prototype boots seen above date from the late 90s and early 00s, as that was the era of the Predator Precision and Predator Mania. They seem to combine elements of the final versions of these two boots, as well as some features from the original F50.
The first design shown has a Predator Precision paint job, but underneath we can see Three Stripes similar to those of the Predator Pulse, from 2004, while the front of the boot looks similar to the Mania.
Particularly notable is the slip-on design of the boot in the middle, with an elasticated section in place of traditional laces. This feature has gone on to be very common in the boot industry with most major brands offering at least one laceless silo. Otherwise, this boot appears to be a stripped back version of the Predator Mania, with several features removed, such as the Three stripe and trademark tongue.
Lastly we have something closely resembling the Predator Mania we know so well, with modified branding and forefoot stitching.
Predator Accelerator Prototypes
@classicsoccercleats also gave us a look at two prototypes of the Predator Accelerator, which was released in 1998. The prototype designs show an alternative shape and position of the famous rubber strips on the forefoot, which protrude from the boot much more than those on the final design.
Predator Precision Prototypes
These two concept Precisions may carry many of the features of the boot that was released, but a major difference is the absence of the rubber vamps on the forefoot and an altogether different material used for the boot shown here on the left.
The original release models of the Predator Accelerator, Precision and Mania
What do you think of these prototypes? Can you spot identify any other features that were used on the final versions of Adidas boots? Let us know in the comments.
Atalanta 26-27 Third Kit Released
Atalanta and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Completing the Italian side's set alongside the previously launched home and away strips, the jersey introduces an elegant aesthetic rooted in the architectural heritage of Bergamo.
The New Balance Atalanta 26-27 third shirt is finished in a warm beige base officially dubbed 'Toasted Sesame', accented by black and 'Taffy Blue' trim on the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Subtly woven across the body is a geometric jacquard pattern inspired by the famous sundial of Bergamo's Palazzo della Ragione. The chest prominently features Atalanta's retro 1964 crest, which depicts the running goddess alongside traditional black and blue stripes.
The New Balance branding appears in black, while Lete's red logo and SNAIFUN complete the front sponsorship. Inside the collar, a bespoke graphic highlights the Bergamo skyline accompanied by the motto 'LA MAGLIA SUDATA SEMPRE'. Crafted with breathable NB DRYx technology, the new kit is available now via the club's official channels.
Thailand Forced to Change Kits at 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup
According to Ball Stand Thailand, the Thailand national team and Warrix must modify their kits for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, as the current uniform violates FIFA regulations.
Laws 4 of the IFAB players' equipment prohibits any political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images on match shirt.
Thailand’s 2026–27 kits by Warrix feature an pattern of the national anthem lyrics. Although national anthem lyrics are not explicitly classified as prohibited text, incorporating a full sentence from the anthem or extracts with ideological undertones onto the kit is still considered a violation of slogan regulations.
Raphinha Becomes Brazil's New Number 10
Raphinha officially wore Brazil's iconic No. 10 shirt for the first time in a friendly against Australia, becoming the latest player to inherit the famous number following Neymar's departure from the national team after the 2026 World Cup.
The Barcelona forward is no stranger to the shirt, having already worn No. 10 several times during Brazil's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign when Neymar was unavailable.
Kelme Brisbane Roar 26-27 Home, Away, Third & Goalkeeper Kits Released - No More Cikers
Brisbane Roar and Spanish brand Kelme have officially launched the club's new kit collection for the 26-27 A-Leagues campaign. The drop represents the manufacturer's first full league set for the Queensland side after signing a three-year technical partnership earlier this year, succeeding previous supplier Cikers.
The 26-27 home kit marks a return to the club's traditional orange and black combination. The jersey features a textured orange base, black trim along the collar and cuffs, and is completed with black shorts and orange socks. The away jersey provides a crisp contrast with an off-white base accented by maroon detailing and shorts, celebrating Queensland's traditional sporting colour. Across the jerseys, the men's team features new primary partner Focus Construct on the front, while the women's shirts display Ausenco.
A major highlight of the release is the retro theme seen across the alternate designs. The vibrant blue third kit revives Brisbane Roar's original 2005 logo above an embossed lion graphic sweeping across the bottom front, accented with orange details. The retro crest also takes center stage on the maroon goalkeeper shirt, which features an elegant polo collar framed by orange piping.
Leicester City 26-27 Third Kit Released
Leicester City and Adidas have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 26-27 season. Arriving seven weeks into the campaign, the fresh strip introduces a distinct look that rounds off the Foxes' wardrobe for the year, joining the blue home and maroon away shirts.
The Adidas Leicester City 26-27 third jersey pairs an off-white base with green vertical pinstripes running down the front. The collar, sleeve cuffs, and signature Three Stripes on the shoulders are also finished in matching green. The standout element of the shirt is the club crest, which replaces the standard full-color badge with a minimalist green fox head emblem. The Adidas Performance logo sits opposite in matching green, while the men's version features BC.GAME and the women's team kit showcases King Power sponsorship.
White shorts and socks with green accents complete the full strip. The Leicester City 26-27 third kit is currently available for pre-order via the club's official online store, with deliveries scheduled to commence in October.
Purple Real Madrid 26-27 Originals Collection Leaked
A brand new lifestyle collection from Real Madrid and Adidas have been leaked via online stores, giving a full look onto its purple Originals tracksuit.
The design of the jacket is identical to away anthem jacket range from the German brand this season, featuring a white horizontal band with a yellow/orange trim. Both logos are displayed in monochrome white, match with the shoulder three-stripes. The full tracksuit is expected to be used as pre-match outfit or anthem jacket, depending the club's own intention.
What do you think of the new Real Madrid 26-27 Originals collection? Let us know in the comments below.
