Barcelona defender Jules Kounde has humorously blamed his adidas Predator boots for denying him a stunning double against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, after VAR ruled out his second goal due to the tiniest of margins. The French international saw what would have been a spectacular strike chalked off when technology determined his toe was fractionally offside.
Despite the disappointment of losing his second goal, Kounde maintained his sense of humor about the situation, taking to social media with a playful jab at his boot manufacturer. We may need to change the shape of my Preds,” the defender quipped on his Instagram account, suggesting that a slightly smaller shoe size might have kept him onside for the disallowed goal.
The incident occurred in the 51st minute of Barcelona’s commanding 5-1 victory over Real Betis, with VAR’s intervention revealing that Kounde’s boot tip had strayed marginally beyond the last defender. The decision, while technically correct, highlighted the extraordinarily fine margins that can determine the outcome of modern football matches.
Kounde’s ability to laugh off the incident was undoubtedly aided by his team’s dominant performance and his successful strike earlier in the match. The 26-year-old defender, who has established himself as arguably La Liga’s premier right-back, has never been known for his goalscoring prowess, making the near-miss of a rare double particularly ironic.
The Frenchman’s jest about his boots resonated with fans and fellow players alike, drawing attention to the increasing precision of VAR decisions in modern football. With goals now being ruled out by mere millimeters, even the size of a player’s footwear can prove decisive in crucial moments of matches.
Despite being denied his second goal, Kounde’s performance epitomized Barcelona’s dominant display in the Copa del Rey clash. The defender has been in impressive form this season, contributing two goals while primarily focusing on his defensive duties. His previous best goalscoring season came during his time at Sevilla, where he managed four goals.
The incident adds a lighter note to the ongoing debate about VAR’s impact on football, with technology’s ability to detect the finest of margins often leading to controversial decisions. In this case, Kounde’s good-natured response highlights how players are adapting to this new reality in football, where success or failure can literally come down to shoe sizes.
Barcelona’s comprehensive victory ensures that Kounde’s disallowed goal remains merely an amusing footnote rather than a crucial turning point in the match. The defender’s continued excellence at right-back has been a key factor in Barcelona’s defensive solidity this season, with his occasional forays forward adding an extra dimension to the team’s attacking play.
As Barcelona continues their pursuit of multiple trophies this season, Kounde’s ability to maintain high performance levels while taking such minor setbacks in stride demonstrates the positive atmosphere within the squad. His humorous interaction with adidas also shows the modern footballer’s ability to engage with fans through social media in an entertaining and relatable way.
The defender’s focus now shifts to Barcelona’s upcoming LaLiga fixture against Getafe, where he’ll hope any goals he scores will count – regardless of his choice of footwear. Meanwhile, boot manufacturers might just be taking notes on the unexpected impact their products can have on the increasingly precise world of professional football.
