Cucurella in big trouble after a picture of him trashing the new puma boot and posting it on his social media handle
Puma’s latest football boots, priced at £220, have caused a major controversy following an incident involving Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella during a highly anticipated match. Cucurella, a prominent Spanish player and key representative for the German sportswear company, experienced two unfortunate slips while wearing the new boots. This mishap forced him to switch to a different pair mid-game, raising concerns about the reliability of Puma’s product and leaving both fans and the company questioning its performance.
What Happened?
The incident occurred during Sunday’s intense London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham. Marc Cucurella took to the field wearing Puma’s newly released Future 8 boots, which were heavily promoted as part of the brand’s Christmas campaign. The boots were advertised as delivering unparalleled adaptability, enhanced movement, and superior control—qualities essential for professional footballers.
However, within the opening minutes of the match, Cucurella slipped twice in rapid succession. Each slip contributed directly to Tottenham scoring two goals, putting Chelsea at an early disadvantage. Realizing the boots were not performing as expected, Cucurella changed to a different pair of Puma boots shortly after the second mishap. Although Chelsea ultimately secured an impressive 4-3 victory, the incident cast a shadow over Puma’s brand reputation.
Adding to the controversy, Cucurella later posted a photo on Instagram showing the new boots discarded in a trash bin with the caption, “Sorry Blues.” Although the post was swiftly deleted, it had already gone viral, sparking widespread discussions and criticism on social media.
The Fallout for Puma
This incident is a significant setback for Puma, especially during the crucial holiday shopping season. The company has been striving to increase sales and recently expressed confidence in customer demand. However, the high-profile failure of their £220 boots on the field could undermine consumer trust.
Marketed as elite footwear designed for professional players, the boots’ failure during such a public and competitive event raises questions about their quality. Potential buyers are now likely to hesitate before investing in a product that failed in such a critical moment.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
Football fans and analysts were quick to share their thoughts on the debacle. Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher criticized the decision to wear untested boots in such a pivotal game, calling it “embarrassing.” He also questioned why Cucurella did not identify the issue during warm-ups. Adding a touch of humor, fellow commentator Peter Drury compared the situation to a fairy tale, saying, “Like Cinderella, Cucurella needs a slipper that fits!”
Chelsea’s Comeback
Despite his challenging start to the match, Cucurella managed to regain his footing later on. He assisted in a goal that helped Chelsea turn the game around. With two successful penalties by Cole Palmer and a goal by Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea achieved an inspiring 4-3 comeback, moving up to second place in the Premier League.
What Lies Ahead for Puma?
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of launching high-profile products in professional sports. While Cucurella’s individual performance may soon fade from memory, the broader implications for Puma are more lasting. The company must now work to rebuild trust in its products and convince customers of their reliability.
For now, the highly publicized failure of the Future 8 boots may make fans and buyers wary of investing in the brand’s latest offerings, creating a challenging road ahead for Puma.
