They say football is a universal language, but what about the dialects? The specific rhythms and slang of a place shape not just how you speak, but how you dream. Endrick, the Brazilian prodigy barely out of his teens, carries Valparaíso de Goiás with him—not just in his heart, but on his feet. These aren’t just boots; they’re a manifesto.
New Balance dropped the ‘Irmão’ Tekela Pro FG V4+ this week. ‘Irmão’ means brother—like those bonds that hold you together, even when you’re miles away on some manicured pitch in Europe. The gold and emerald green aren’t just flashy colors; they’re the colors of the Goiás flag, with the very essence of the landscape bleeding into the design. That two-tone stripe? It’s a pulse, a heartbeat echoing the rhythm of Endrick’s hometown.
But it’s not just about aesthetics, is it? The boots feature the words “Progresso” and “Paz”—Progress and Peace—on the aglets. These little gold details are aspirations etched into the design. For someone from a place like Valparaíso, progress isn’t a given—it’s a fight. Peace isn’t silence; it’s the hard-won harmony of a resilient community. Endrick carries all of that with him every time he laces up.
Interestingly, New Balance launched these boots in EA Sports FC 25 first—a digital prelude before the real-world release. Players can unlock the boots for their avatars, wear the full ‘Irmão’ kit, and even re-design a stadium inspired by Goiás aesthetics. It raises a thought-provoking question: where does the real game end and the digital one begin? Are these efforts building community online or merely simulating it?
Kenny McCallum, a senior figure at New Balance Football, said Endrick is making "enormous strides" while "recognizing the importance of his roots." It’s a nice corporate soundbite, but what does Endrick think? What’s it like to carry the weight of your hometown on your shoulders? To be a symbol and a commodity, all while still figuring out who you are?
These boots are more than footwear—they’re a conversation starter. They invite reflection on where we come from, where we’re going, and who we’re taking with us. They’re about the beautiful game, but also the beautiful struggle. And in a world obsessed with the final score, perhaps it’s time we paid more attention to the stories woven into the fabric of the game.
If you want to join this conversation, you can find the boots at worlsoccershop.com But before you buy, ask yourself: what story are your feet telling?
