adidas launch special edition Lionel Messi Ballon d’Or boots

Following Lionel Messi’s unprecedented, record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or win, adidas has commissioned the creation of eight iconic, 14 karat gold ‘championship’ rings – with each unique design honouring Leo’s achievements from a specific Ballon d’Or win.

Later this year, each ring will be available for auction, with all proceeds going to charities that will be selected by Messi and adidas.

Further information about the rings:

The rings’ intricate design details bring to life the magic of Leo Messi’s journey to becoming the greatest football player of all time.

2009 – El Beso

The ring that marks Leo’s first Ballon d’Or win showcases his infamous boot kiss celebration from the 2009 Champions League Final. His adidas F50i boot fell off after he leapt to header in the second of the two goals that secured glory for Barcelona at the hands of Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico.

As well as the occasion (Lionel Messi – Champions League Final – Stadio Olimpico) written around the image on the top of the ring, ‘El Beso’ is carved on the side, as well as Leo’s iconic #10.

2010 – Apunta al cielo

This ring pays tribute to Leo’s now iconic goal celebration in which he points skywards in dedication to his late Grandmother who played a huge role in his early life.

‘Apunta al cielo’ (‘point to the sky’ in Spanish) is written around the image on the top of the ring, as well as MMX denoting the year 2010 in Roman numerals. On the sides, LX (Roman numerals for 60)  references the number of goals Leo scored in 2010, whilst a subtle wreath taken from the Argentinian national coat of arms is an additional nod to his roots.

2011 – The G.O.A.T.

Leo’s third consecutive Ballon d’Or in 2011 had people believing he was the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).

This ring celebrates just that, with the image of a goat seen rising onto its hind legs surrounded by ‘Lionel Messi. The Goat.’. The side of the ring re-emphasises this with an impactful ‘G.O.A.T’ carved in.

2012 – El Año

‘Campeón del Mundo 2022’ (Spanish for ‘2022 World Cup Champion’) surrounds this visual, whilst the two figures on each side of the ring represent the figures on the FIFA World Cup Trophy holding up the earth.