As if we weren’t hyped enough already for the launch of the new adidas Predator, Jude Bellingham has just turned hype levels to maximum after he debuted what must be the launch colourway in Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Napoli.
The new adidas Predator – the 21st instalment in the iconic franchise, which also happens to be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024 – has been doing the rounds in whiteout prototype form over the last few weeks, preparing for what is usually a January launch for the silo update. But now we’re thinking there could be something else up the Three Stripes’ sleeve, after Jude Bellingham wore a classically coloured version of the next generation boot.
Jude Bellingham has firmly positioned himself as the face of the Predator franchise going forward following a string of sterling performances since his switch to Real Madrid (and before); performances that have recently earned him the Golden Boy award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Having already been seen in the whiteout prototype, he first gave us a sneak peek at what must be the launch colourway of the new Predator in training this week. OK, so he could be testing them out behind closed doors, so to speak – not a massive surprise there. But then he’s only gone and worn them on the biggest stage in club football, letting the whole world see them as he – surprise, surprise – scored yet again in the Champions League group stage match against Napoli. Veil well and truly lifted, leading us to think that a launch for this boot must be imminent.
As we all know, the new Predator sees the return of the classic fold-over tongue – one of the boot’s most celebrated features from fan-favourite models such as the Predator Mania, Precision and PowerSwerve – and that alone was enough to get fans of a certain generation excited. But now we see it debuting in what looks to be a classic black, white and red colourway, although the red certainly looks a little deeper and more luxurious in execution than usual.
This is the second ‘coloured’ version of the new Predator to hit the pitch following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s surprise appearance on the weekend, announcing himself as an adidas player in a white and red pair. But while we’re of the belief that that colourway was produced precisely for that moment and individual, likely not to be released for a wider retail, the Jude colourway just screams launch look, and you know that it will resonate well, building on the already amped up nostalgia levels. Bring it on.
Eyes out for the official launch of the new adidas Predator, which must be dropping any day now...
