Adidas Marks 25 Years of David Beckham’s Iconic Free Kick With New Predator Boots

Twenty-five years after David Beckham’s famous free kick against Greece, adidas is marking the anniversary with two Predator boots inspired by the footwear he wore during England’s 2001 World Cup qualifier.

The anniversary falls on October 6, the date in 2001 when Beckham scored a stoppage-time free kick at Old Trafford to earn England a 2-2 draw with Greece. The result secured England’s place at the 2002 FIFA World Cup after Germany drew with Finland in the group’s other final qualifier.

Photo: Instagram/@Complexsneakers

The new release includes the David Beckham Predator and the Predator Precision Remade. Both use the white-and-red color scheme associated with Beckham’s boots from the 2001 match while incorporating elements of adidas’ current Predator line.

The David Beckham Predator was co-designed with Beckham and draws from the latest Predator Elite FT L-Tech concept. It combines a premium leather forefoot with modern performance technology. A red leather fold-over tongue carries an embroidered Trefoil, while Trefoil logos appear within the Three Stripes on both sides of the boot. Beckham branding is also placed on the lateral heel.

The Trefoil appears for only the second time on a Predator, following Beckham’s 2024 special-edition model. According to adidas, that release sold out within 24 hours.

Photo: Instagram/@Complexsneakers

The Predator Precision Remade offers a closer recreation of the boot associated with Beckham’s 2001 free kick. It reproduces the white-and-red design of the original Predator Precision while using updated football-boot technology. The release is designed to connect the original model with today’s Predator range and is available to both players and collectors.

The free kick itself remains one of Beckham’s most significant moments with England. Greece had taken a 2-1 lead, leaving England needing a draw to secure qualification if Germany failed to beat Finland. Beckham did not know the result of the Germany match when he stepped up to take the free kick.

He struck the ball into the top corner in stoppage time, leveling the match and sending England to the World Cup. The goal also came three years after Beckham’s red card against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, an incident that had made him the focus of intense criticism in England.

Photo: Instagram/@Complexsneakers

The new Predator release links that moment to one of the most recognizable boot designs of Beckham’s playing career. Rather than simply reproducing an old model, adidas has used the anniversary to combine the visual details associated with the 2001 Predator Precision with technology from its current football range.

Both models are available through select adidas retail stores and adidas’ football site.