Black Friday Football

Predator: the shoe designed to grip the ball better

The Predator from adidas was born in 1994 from an idea by Craig Johnston, a former Liverpool midfielder, who wanted a shoe that could grip the ball better: its upper has had rubber elements ever since that enhance strike accuracy and powerful passes. The Elite version, the most advanced, fits close to the foot, with an FG sole for natural grass. On synthetic surfaces, an AG sole with shorter and more numerous studs distributes pressure better and spares the joints. In deep winter, a frozen or very hard ground calls for moulded studs rather than screw-ins, to avoid imbalances.

By type of item

The Black Friday football event is organised by type:

• Shirts, clubs and teams.
• Shoes, with studs and for indoor use.
• Balls.
• Tracksuits.
• Jackets, for winter training.
• Accessories, gloves, beanies and shin guards.

Tracksuit jacket and waterproof jacket: training in winter

During winter training, the tracksuit jacket is worn during warm-ups and then taken off at the start of the game; zipped, made of lightweight polyester, it can be packed away in the bag without taking up space. The one from Spain, from the OG Anthem range, takes cues from the jackets worn by players during national anthems. The waterproof jacket, with a hood and a loose fit, protects the substitutes on the bench or the coach at the side of the pitch. Under the shirt, a base layer with long sleeves keeps the muscles warm. With the end of November fixed for it, Black Friday falls right in the middle of the championship season, when these items are used in every training session.

The rest of the Black Friday

Black Friday is also available by category: running, lifestyle, indoor sports, equestrian, winter sports, top brands, on the page Black Friday.

Argentina, Japan, Morocco, Spain: national team shirts

Each national team shirt expresses an identity. Argentina plays in albiceleste, vertical stripes of sky blue and white, and its children's version is named after Messi. Japan, whose team is nicknamed the Blue Samurai, wears a deep blue. Morocco, the first African country to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup in 2022, plays in red and green; its pre-match shirt is worn during warm-ups. Spain, world champion in 2010, keeps the red and yellow of its flag. The authentic version, tailored and lighter, is worn by the players; the supporter version, looser, is worn daily and fits better for children.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between moulded and screw-in studs?

Moulded studs, which are part of the sole, are suitable for most grass pitches and wear out slowly. Screw-in studs, made of metal or aluminium, are changed according to the state of the ground and grip better on thick grass, but are banned on synthetic surfaces.

How to choose a football shirt size for a child?

You rely on the age indicated on the guide, taking the next size up for a growing child: a supporter shirt is worn loose without being bothersome. Children’s shirts replicate the adult design, including crests and sponsors.

Why is the number ten so prestigious?

Worn by Pelé during the 1958 World Cup, then by Maradona and Messi, it traditionally designates the playmaker, the creative player of the team. In many clubs, it is given to the most technical player.

How to wash a tracksuit jacket?

You close it, turn it inside out, and wash it at thirty degrees with similar colours, without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres. It dries hung up in a few hours; a tumble dryer damages the heat-pressed logos.

How to choose shin guards?

They cover the shin from a few centimetres below the knee to above the ankle. Models with ankle protection provide better coverage for younger players and defenders, while lightweight shells that slip into socks allow for more freedom. They are mandatory during matches.