GOAL gets the measure of the latest from the football zeitgeist in a week that's delivered a big dose of nostalgia
Welcome to the Culture Axis, where GOAL runs the rule over all the latest from the intersection of football and culture – from the sublime to the ridiculous, to what hits and what misses completely.
This week has been all about some serious throwbacks, with a few of the biggest brands in the game giving us a very generous shot of nostalgia, while Lionel Messi has proved a big point stateside.
But where do the week's biggest talking points from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…
Getty/GOALMbappe tears Man City to shreds
Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid career has been simmering along nicely, but perhaps had just been lacking that moment where he announced himself as the club's latest 'Galactico' – until now, that is.
Channelling his predecessors Cristiano Ronaldo and R9, Mbappe delivered on the biggest stage in midweek as he dropped a finishing clinic with a sublime hat-trick to obliterate Manchester City's Champions League hopes.
It was a hatty for the ages, too; a masterful looping lob, sending Josko Gvardiol to the shops before burying his second, and a body feint and clinical left-footed strike for three. Bonafide superstar stuff.
GOAL's shout: Blatant/ Worldie
AdvertisementNike re-release Total 90 astros
Nike's highly-anticipated relaunch of their Total 90 silo is nearly here, but the iconic silhouette will initially return in the form of a fashion sneaker rather than to the pitch where many will feel it belongs.
Dropping in early March, the idea of pairing the classic silver and red colourway with jeans and a t-shirt is giving serious early-noughties birthday party vibes. We're just not sure this one will translate to the streets…
GOAL's shout: Maverick/ VAR
Arsenal's North London Classics collection
Arsenal Fashion Club are at it again. The Gunners are trying to pull on their fans' heartstrings (and purse strings) with yet another streetwear drop, this time paying homage to the club's north London roots.
The 'North London Classics' capsule includes workwear-style jackets, a retro '1886' print shirt and hoodies, as well as caps and beanies if you're after accessories. Don't get us wrong, it's a nice collection – but how much merch is too much merch?
GOAL's shout: Blatant/ VAR
New Predators in THAT colourway
The one we've all been waiting for. adidas just don't miss at the moment, with the new-look Predator back in everyone's favourite colourway: black, red and white.
A palette synonymous with the legendary silo, the Predator FT is sure to be a sell-out hit given its OG look, with the iconic tongue and three thick stripes on the sides. Memories of peak Steven Gerrard, Zinedine Zidane and Kaka come flooding back just looking at 'em.
GOAL's shout: Blatant/ Worldie
