Spain's Blind 5-a-side Football Team Take On Messi, Busquets, Rakitic and Co
Have you ever seen Messi playing football blindfolded? FCB Foundation, UNICEF and the International Paralympic Committee have created a video that stresses the importance of inclusive sport featuring Messi, Busquets, Rakitic, Sergi Roberto and Masip who are playing against Spain's blind 5-a-side football team.
FC Barcelona Foundation Supports Inclusive Sport
What happens in the video? Spanish 5-a-side Paralympic players Pedro Gutiérrez, Jose Luis Giera, Javier Álvaro, Francisco Javier Pérez, Marcelo Rosado and Sergio Cano show Jordi Masip, Sergi Roberto, Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic and Leo Messi the basics, while they then compete blindfold against members of the Spanish national 5-a-side blind football team in a penalty shootout.
However, as well being a lot of fun, there was logically also a serious side. The video was made by the FC Barcelona Foundation, UNICEF and the International Paralympic Committee on occasion of the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, which opened on Wednesday. It symbolises the essence of inclusive sport by showing how implicated the first team players are in the work being done by the Foundation, with their shared conviction that all children have the right to play, and that their abilities should not matter.
As Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, comments: "This video shows the skills and abilities of visually handicapped footballers. The response from Messi, Busquets, Masip, Rakitic and Sergi Roberto shows that they consider play without eyesight to be a challenge. And it shows how amazing these 5-a-side players are, who are able to face a penalty without one of the most important senses."
Anthony Lake, executive director of UNICEF, adds that "the Paralympic Games show that it’s ability, and not disability, that determines what somebody can achieve. This video shows that children should not face any limitations when it comes to aspiring to achievements in sport, at school or in life. UNICEF feels proud to be able to work with its beloved Barça to offer so many boys and girls the chance to play, learn and make the very most of their abilities, and therefore their lives."
Good or Bad? Rexona Armpit Sponsorship on 2026 World Cup Referee Shirts
Update - Tuesday, June 23, 2026: Following our publication, Rexona contacted us to provide additional context on the activation.
According to Ben Curtis, Global Brand Vice President for Rexona at Unilever, the sponsorship is intended to highlight fourth officials, who "may not always be the focus of attention but are at the centre of some of football's most intense and anticipated moments," as part of Rexona's "It Won't Let You Down" campaign during the FIFA World Cup 2026. "They need to remain cool and calm under pressure - That's exactly why this partnership is such a natural fit for Rexona."
The 2026 World Cup referee shirts feature one of the most amusing and strategic sponsorship placements seen in football. Deodorant brand Rexona has their logo positioned directly under the armpits of the match officials' jerseys, creating a highly contextual advertising opportunity.
The Rexona logo remains largely hidden during regular play but becomes clearly visible whenever a referee raises their arms to signal a free kick, award a penalty, or issue a card. This placement perfectly matches the deodorant product being advertised, resulting in a memorable piece of marketing on the sport's biggest stage.
While this specific placement has caught the attention of fans during the 2026 tournament, it is not entirely unprecedented. A similar concept was previously executed in Brazil, where Avanço deodorant sponsored the armpits of Corinthians. However, Rexona's execution at a World Cup brings the clever concept to a massive global audience.
Adidas Al Qadsiah 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released - No More Nike
Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah has officially unveiled its new 2026-27 home and away kits, marking the beginning of their new partnership with adidas after switching from previous supplier Nike.
Revealed on June 23, 2026, the inaugural adidas strips feature simple, standard designs without bespoke detailing. The home kit is presented in the club's traditional red and yellow colors, while the away shirt offers a stylish white and red look.
FC Barcelona 26-27 Training Top Leaked
Images of the FC Barcelona 2026-27 training top have been leaked online by Barca kit collector @memorabilia1899.
Hamburg 26-27 Anthem Jacket Released
The new Hamburger SV 2026-27 anthem jacket has been launched.
Produced by Adidas, the jacket features a clean design based on the Adidas 2026 jacket template. It is predominantly white with contrasting black Three Stripes running down the sleeves and a black Adidas performance logo on the right chest.
