Best Adidas Predator Footballers

The Adidas Predator boot is one of the most classic boots in the history of football.

The main features of the Predator are increasing swerve, curl, and power when the ball is struck. This boot is a favorite among midfielders, including creative attacking midfielders, central midfielders, and wingers.

The boot allows for pinpoint accuracy when the ball is struck, so that the ball will always reach its target, whether the player is trying to cross, shoot, or pass.

In the past, many greats have worn this boot, and many of the greats of today wear it too. The following will highlight some of the greatest players who have worn the Adidas Predator football boot.

5. Raúl

Raúl is the current captain of Real Madrid, all time leading scorer for the Spanish national team with 44 goals, and the all time leader in UEFA Champions League goals and appearances, with 66 goals in 128 appearances.

Raúl has made himself one of the most accomplished strikers in the game. He has played his entire career at one club, Real Madrid. He is Madrid's all time highest scorer, and the third highest scorer all time in La Liga.

Raúl has worn the Adidas Predator boots his entire career, and was one of the players chosen to test the Adidas Predator X when it was still in it's early stages.

Raúl currently plays for Real Madrid in the Adidas Predator X boots, although his Spanish national team career is basically over, as recent coaches have preferred David Villa and Fernando Torres and other youngsters as back ups for them.

4. David Beckham

David Beckham is probably the most famous and recognizable player to have worn the Adidas Predator boots, and is probably the biggest reason that the Predators are the most popular boots in the world.

Like his former Real Madrid teammate Raúl, Beckham has worn the Adidas Predators his entire career.

As most people know (or should know), Beckham is mostly known for his bending free kicks and pinpoint crosses and long balls. Beckham has been hailed for his specialties, and sometimes even berated for focusing so much on one attribute that the others were ignored.

Nevertheless, Beckham has had a fantastic career, performing for England in three World Cups, and playing for some of the biggest teams in all of Europe: First Manchester United in England, then Real Madrid in Spain, then AC Milan of Italy.

And we can't forget the LA Galaxy of MLS in the USA. It may not be European caliber, but it is one of the best clubs in Major League Soccer.

Currently, Beckham is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that will keep him from making a fourth World Cup appearance.

3. Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is definitely one of the best Adidas Predator X players, and his sheer ability on the pitch is why he ranks higher than David Beckham on this list (otherwise, Beckham would've been higher just because he made the Predators so popular).

Gerrard has spent his entire career at Liverpool. He usually plays as a central attacking midfielder, but also plays frequently as a second striker.

He is known for his playmaking abilities, such as being able to play a killer pass or setting up through a free kick. Gerrard is also a fantastic leader on the pitch, and has been a candidate for the England captaincy. He is the current captain of Liverpool.

When Gerrard is at his best, he is known to completely terrorize defenses, especially since he can not just score but help his team score in many different ways.

2. Xavi

Xavi has been definitely the best central midfielder in the world for the past two years, and is probably the fourth best player in the world currently, although his recent form has some arguing his ability to rise second only to Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi.

Xavi has worn the Adidas Predator Powerswerves for most of his career, and although he has tried out the new Predator X's this season, he prefers the Powerswerve boot.

Xavi is probably the ultimate playmaker. His passing ability is unparalleled, recently showcased by his four passes in El Clasico (three to Messi, one to Pedro) that effortlessly unlocked the Real Madrid defense. Two of those efforts were finished, resulting in a 2-0 scoreline in Barca's favor.

Xavi hasn't just shown up on the screen all of a sudden. He has consistently made his case as the best midfielder in the world for the past number of years.

In 2008, he led Spain to the Euro 2008 title, setting up Fernando Torres to score the game winning goal in the final; and in 2009, he set up Lionel Messi (again) to score a header against Manchester United in the Champions League final.

Xavi is by far the greatest midfielder and playmaker in the world currently, not just because of his present form and elegance, but also because of his consistency and work ethic on the field.

1. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is definitely the best player to have ever worn the Adidas Predator boots, and he is hailed as the third best player ever, after Pele and Diego Maradona (although that may change if Lionel Messi can prove himself throughout his career).

Zidane played for such clubs as Juventus and Real Madrid. In 2001, Zidane moved to Real Madrid for a then world record fee of about 75 million Euros.

Zidane led his country, France, to a FIFA World Cup title in 1998, and in 2006 he led his country to FIFA World Cup final appearance, although he was eventually sent off for an infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi. France went on to lose to Italy on penalties.

Zidane has been voted FIFA World Player of the Year three times. He retired from professional football in 2006, after the FIFA World Cup.

Honorable Mention: Edwin Van der Sar

Edwin Van der Sar is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and is currently one of the best in the world, even at the age of 39 years.

The Dutch shot-stopper began his career at Ajax and won a UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League with them. His team made it to a second consecutive UEFA Champions League final after their win, but lost to Juventus in a penalty shootout.

In 2005, Van der Sar transferred to Manchester United from Fulham. According to Sir Alex Ferguson, Van der Sar is the best shot-stopper to have played for Manchester United since Peter Schmeichel.

While at Manchester United, Van der Sar set a world record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal (1,302 minutes). In the league, Van der Sar went a record 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal.

Van der Sar has been one of the greatest and most consistent goalkeepers in the world. He is without a doubt going down in history as one of the greatest keepers ever, and he may be the greatest goalkeeper to ever wear the Adidas Predator boots.

Honorable Mention: Yoosof Farah

Yoosof Farah joined Bleacher Report because he wanted to show the world his amazing skills in analysis of sporting events.

He is a 17-year old half-Irish, half-useful Iranian (according to legendary sports journalist Christopher Rowlands) who is currently a student at a delightful sixth-form college/school/thingy in the Republic of Medway, Kent, United Kingdom. He is studying for A-levels in English Literature, Psychology, Spanish, and Physical Education, as well as a Level 2 Community Sports Leader award. He aspires to be a sports journalist in the future.

Yes, the above paragraphs are from Yoosof's personal bio on B/R. But honestly speaking, Yoosof really is a fantastic sports writer. He currently has written 373 B/R articles (and counting).

Not only does he write alot, he writes well. The content of his articles is really insightful, and they really make a good read.

And yes, Yoosof does wear Adidas Predator football boots.

Your Thoughts

What do you think? Were any fantastic Predator players left out? If so, please comment and leave your valuable opinions.