Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is proper rogue, and that’s probably why he feels like such a good fit for adidas SPZL F.C.'s third collection, released for Autumn/Winter 2026.
Let me qualify that as there’s a bit to unpack there. See, for me the Georgian fits into a rare category of footballer: absolutely elite, as in amongst the very best in the world to do what he does, but also wouldn’t look out of place turning up to sort that leaky tap you’ve been having trouble with for the past few months. It’s like another level beyond IYKYK. It's not a secret. It's there for all to see. It's more if you choose to see it. I’d place the likes of Bryan Gil, Andrei Arshavin, even Luka Modric in this category. But the king was always young Messi, circa 2007, when he had longer hair. Looked like he was ready to play bass in his high school band, but then just ended up being the best person to ever play football. Ever.
Of course there’s the obvious wordplay with players like this and SPZL. But it goes beyond that. Adidas SPZL has always been that extra layer of premium, present but not overtly in your face. It’s that positioning that really appeals. Like, you’re so good, but you don’t need to shout about it.
That attitude has run through SPZL since day one, and it feels especially relevant in the context of football. The sport has never been bigger, louder or more commercialised. Every launch comes with a cinematic trailer, every player has a personal brand, and every kit reveal feels like it needs to break the internet. SPZL, on the other hand, has always felt comfortable operating slightly off to the side of all that. Not disconnected from football culture, but tuned into a different frequency. That’s exactly where SPZL F.C. comes in.
Now in its third collection, the adidas SPZL F.C. project continues to blur the lines between football heritage and everyday style. Under the guidance of Gary Aspden, it has become a vehicle for exploring the culture around the game rather than just the game itself. The terraces, the travel, the friendships, the clothes people wear because of football, not necessarily for football.
The Autumn/Winter 2026 collection sticks closely to that brief. Footwear arrives in the shape of the low-profile Gazelle SPZL F.C. and the Winterhill SPZL F.C., the latter bringing a more rugged hiking-inspired edge for the colder months. Apparel covers all the staples you'd expect from a collection rooted in sportswear heritage, from track tops and track pants to long-sleeve jerseys, sweatshirts and tees. Throw in a scarf, cap and even a football, and it feels less like a seasonal drop and more like a fully realised football lifestyle uniform.
And that's where Kvaratskhelia makes so much sense. Because despite being one of the most electrifying players on the planet right now, he still carries himself with a sort of understated authenticity. A humble modesty. Almost an air of "can't really be arsed, but go on then, give me the ball and I'll win you this match". It doesn't feel like there's anything manufactured about him. No feeling that he's playing a character away from the pitch. Watch him glide past defenders and he looks untouchable. See him in campaign imagery stood against brutalist architecture and industrial backdrops, and he still somehow feels like the same bloke.
Maybe it's the beard. That unconventional characteristic that doesn't quite fit in the modern football-scape, like Messi's aforementioned long hair, but they do it anyway, and fuck if I don't love them for it.
That's rare. Kvaratskhelia manages to be elite without feeling distant. Stylish without looking like he's trying too hard. That balance mirrors the appeal of SPZL better than any list of product features ever could.
The best SPZL collections have never felt like they were chasing relevance because they've always understood where their relevance comes from. The same is true of Kvaratskhelia. Neither need to force the issue. Neither need to be the loudest thing in the room. They simply back their quality and let everything else follow. And in an era where everyone seems desperate to tell you how special they are, that's probably the most special thing of all.
The Autumn/Winter 2026 adidas SPZL F.C. collection arrives in limited quantities on Friday 25th of September 2026 and will be available via CONFIRMED, adidas Originals stores and select retailers.
