On Tuesday, Seattle Sounders midfielder Miguel Ibarra tweeted out a picture of customized Adidas cleats he’ll be wearing for the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
Emblazoned across the outside of each boot is a simple, incontrovertible statement that has become a rallying cry in the fight to end systemic racism: Black Lives Matter.
Other details, all of which center on showing solidarity with the protests that have swept across the nation, include the saying ‘Enough Is Enough” on each of the apparel company’s iconic three stripes, the phrase ‘End Racism’, emojis of hands in different skin tones, and simple messages of optimism.
“People always look to see what types of cleats you’re wearing, or they use it in promotions,” Ibarra told the Seattle Sounders website. “Making my own cleats, making it heard that Black Lives Matter, was really big for me. I think with this tournament coming into place and everyone paying attention to MLS now, it was a good way for me to start to make sure it was heard.”
Ibarra’s cleats are a continuation of the squad’s commitment to supporting the fight for justice, with every player on the team wearing Black Lives Matter shirts as they travelled to Orlando for the tournament. Additionally, Ibarra worked with a friend who makes custom shin guards to create a pair that share a similar design as his cleats.
