Gear

At the age of 25, Paulo Dybala’s already conquered much of the footballing world — fitting for a man that celebrates his goals by donning a figurative gladiator mask. This season marks his fifth with Italian power Juventus, and every previous year has finished with a Serie A title to go along with three Coppa Italia triumphs. 

Everton fans hate Liverpool. They’re too flashy, they think they have a monopoly on bad singing and they just win too damn much.

The Merseyside Derby, unlike many of the world’s great soccer rivalries, is different because of the proximity of the two clubs — Anfield and Goodison Park are a literal stone’s throw from each other. This intimacy engenders deep resentment between the two clubs — Everton fans jealous of Liverpool’s money and success and Liverpool fans jealous of actually attracting fans from Liverpool instead of abroad. 

Real Madrid fans are unique. As supporters of the most successful club in the history of Europe — if not the world — they look down on all others, especially that pesky club from Catalonia.

The only club that can really challenge Los Blancos’ superiority in Spain is, of course, Barcelona, so the rivalry is understandable intense. No other team brings out the best (or worst) in Real.

In Felipe’s case, it was the worst.

Guadalajara vs. Club América, Chivas vs. Las Águilas, El Súper Clásico — because that tame El Clásico over in Spain isn’t super enough.

Two of Mexico’s biggest clubs are also two of Liga MX’s biggest rivals, not just because they’re constantly going head-to-head on the pitch but because they have two distinct styles of going about their business. One’s called the Millionaires, the other the Goat Gang.

El Clasico is a match like no other. The passion, love and hate between Real Madrid and Barcelona fans is unrivaled and the two clubs define Spanish football.

But what if a Barcelona fan had to say something nice about Real Madrid? Could he do it?

That was the task assigned to Will for our latest edition of Rival Reviews with World Soccer Shop.

Just like player announcement reveals, kit reveals in the footballing world have taken on a life of their own; who can forget when Reading launched its new kit into space for some reason? But the Southampton kit 2019-20 reveal may be the best stupid marketing video we’ve seen yet.

Next season is the last thing on Liverpool supporters’ minds at the moment with the club through to the Champions League semifinals (where they’ll meet Lionel Messi’s Barcelona) and involved in one of the most exciting Premier League title run-ins ever. However, New Balance launched Liverpool’s jersey for the upcoming season today, and it draws influence from both the past and future of the historic club.

Soccer in Canada has never been better.

The country hosted a wonderful Women’s World Cup in 2015 and will be a co-host for the men’s World Cup in 2026. Christine Sinclair, 35, is one of the best women’s players of her generation and Alphonso Davies, 18, might be one of the best players of his future generation.

Nike’s created a fantastic TV spot to celebrate the release of the Nike PhantomVSN boot, which will be worn by the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Kevin De Bruyne and Mal Pugh. 

To help advertise the latest in footwear technology from the sportswear giants, Nike recruited the help of Neymar, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the music of French electronic duo Justice.