The new PREDATOR®_X delivers significantly more power
than ever before

Amman, February 2010 – adidas releases its PREDATOR®_X for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, a new football boot designed with French football legend Zinedine Zidane, that achieves the highest ball power, swerve and control ever found in any PREDATOR®.

Almost every country embraces the number 10 in football to designate the best, most skilful player in the team. Just as Zidane is world-famous for having worn the number 10 in the French national side, the new PREDATOR®_X boot, the tenth generation of the PREDATOR® family which has led football for more than a decade, is tipped to augment the power to come in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

Introducing a pioneering PowerSpine technology, the PREDATOR®_X is distinguished by its unprecedented increase in shooting power of seven percent in comparison to its predecessor. Ball velocity tests in the adidas laboratory demonstrated that the new PowerSpine enables the PREDATOR®_X to reach a velocity of 110 kilometres per hour which makes a speed difference of almost three metres per second. This could mean the PREDATOR®_X shot is 26 centimetres behind the goal line while the other shot is saved by the goalkeeper.
Zidane, who has relied on the adidas PREDATOR® technology since 1996, was taken aback when he tested the new PREDATOR®_X, claiming “PREDATOR® was always my weapon of choice but this PREDATOR®_X gives a power like never before, I need to start playing football again!”

During a shot, the average force on a player’s foot is comparable to a right-hand punch from a heavyweight boxer. PowerSpine reduces this force on the foot, transferring the saved energy directly to the ball. This results in increased shooting power and decreases the flex and harmful impact on the metatarsal area of the foot, minimizing the risk of injuries. (This has to stay. This is what PowerSpine technology is all about and one of the main reasons why they’ve improved on this boot)

adidas and Zidane share a passion for precision and perfection. For Zidane, control on the ball is everything and with this guidance and further extensive player testing, adidas changed the PREDATOR® element in the swerve zone at the side of the boot. The new position and material increases the player’s contact time with the ball and enhances its swerve, control and accuracy.

Top adidas players relying on the new PREDATOR®_X technology include: Michael Ballack (Germany – Chelsea FC), David Beckham (England – LA Galaxy), Mark van Bommel (Netherlands – FC Bayern München), Diego (Brazil – Juventus FC), Steven Gerrard (England – Liverpool FC), Mark Janko (Austria – Red Bull Salzburg), Lucio (Brasil – FC Internationale Milano), Robin van Persie (Netherlands – Arsenal FC), Raúl (Spain – Real Madrid CF), Daniele De Rossi (Italy – AS Roma), Patrick Vieira (France - FC Internationale Milano), Xavi (Spain – FC Barcelona) and many more.

Further models will be brought to market throughout 2010 for the UEFA Champions League knock-out phase and the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

This news release has been distributed by Bidaya Corporate Communications on behalf of adidas.
For more information or assistance please contact us on the below number:

Tel: +962 6 5692008/9
Fax: +962 6 5692007
P.O.Box: 930391, Amman 11193, Jordan
E-Mail: media@bidayacorp.com