Adidas have dropped a Karim Benzema Ballon d'Or collection.
The French striker, making his best stylistic impression of his teenage idol Tupac, lifted the coveted Ballon d'Or 2022 last night in Paris.
The golden collection includes the striker's iconic bandage covered in gold which the brand teased yesterday and followed up on a new film, Hand of Gold, on Tuesday.
A serious injury in 2019 forced Benzema to don the bandage, a piece he's worn in every game since. The boxer-like wrap represents the forward's never-say-die-attitude from the gritty young kid at Lyon to the 34-year-old enduring Champions League hero at the top.
“In 2019, several injuries to the hand forced the footballer to start wearing a bandage during games, but this did not prevent him from continuing to shine until reaching the top. The bandage has become one of his trademarks and a symbol of his ability to overcome difficulties, proving once again that nothing is impossible (Impossible Is Nothing),” said Adidas.
— SoccerGator.io (@Soccergator_io) October 18, 2022
The man with the golden touch
Adidas didn't stop at the gold bandage.
The brand also teased the not-for-sale Adidas X Speedportal gold boots. The specially tailored cleats are predominantly white mixed with a gold spiral print on the upper, French tricolor laces and gold studs.
Adidas also released a limited edition Benzema Real Madrid home kit with the player's name and number printed in gold. You can buy the shirt at the official Real Madrid online store.
Photo: Twitter/themadridzone
