Jack Grealish, often associated with a glamorous lifestyle and a penchant for drinking, has nonetheless been a key player for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in recent seasons.
Despite his off-field reputation, Grealish has worked tirelessly to build his career to its current heights. A pivotal moment came in 2019 when he led Aston Villa to promotion to the Premier League.
At that time, Grealish was the center of attention, not for his slick playing style or distinctive hair, but for his worn-out boots. His tattered shoes, reminiscent of Stephen Chow's in "Shaolin Soccer," became iconic as he helped Villa achieve promotion. But why did Grealish wear such shoes? There’s an interesting reason behind it.
Reports indicate that while playing for Aston Villa, Grealish earned around £40,000 per week, approximately Rp781 million. With such a salary, affording new shoes wasn't an issue. The club even offered him new boots multiple times. However, those white Nike shoes held a special place in Grealish's heart, dating back to the 2018/19 season.
In December 2018, during a match against West Bromwich Albion, Grealish, known for wearing short socks, suffered a significant shin injury. This injury was a major setback for both him and Aston Villa, occurring just as the team was vying for promotion.
Without Grealish, Villa struggled, and he spent about three months watching from the stands, unable to help his team. He returned to the field in week 35, with Villa’s ranking having fallen to eleventh in the Championship standings.
In his comeback match against Derby County, Grealish, eager to play, scored in the 45th minute. This goal was particularly meaningful, marking his return from injury and his first goal as captain.
Grealish’s remarkable journey continued as he found the net again in the next game against Birmingham. It was then he realized he had been wearing the new third-generation Nike Hypervenom boots since his return from injury. Convinced they were his lucky charm, Grealish decided he would wear no other shoes.
Believing in the luck of his white Nikes, Grealish insisted on wearing them both in training and during matches. Whether due to luck or sheer determination, Grealish's form remained stellar post-injury.
His goals and assists propelled Aston Villa to 10 consecutive wins, securing a top-five finish in the Championship standings. This achievement led Villa to the promotion play-offs, reinforcing Grealish’s belief in the magical power of his boots.
Unlike many footballers who frequently change their boots to match their kits or satisfy sponsors, Grealish stuck with his worn-out pair. His growing confidence made him reluctant to part with them, even as they became increasingly battered.
In the semi-final play-off, Villa faced West Bromwich Albion again. Despite lingering trauma from his previous injury, Grealish's belief in his lucky boots bolstered his confidence. Indeed, Grealish led his team to victory over Jay Rodriguez and his teammates, securing a place in the final against Derby County.
The stakes were high; the winner of this play-off would join Norwich City and Sheffield United in securing promotion to the Premier League. For Grealish, there was only one acceptable outcome: victory. A draw was not an option.
In a tightly contested match, Aston Villa triumphed 2-1, thanks to two goals from Anwar El-Ghazi. Although Derby County managed to pull one back in the 84th minute through Martyn Waghorn, it was too late to change the outcome. Villa’s win marked the culmination of Grealish's extraordinary comeback and the realization of his Premier League dream.
When the final whistle blew, Wembley Stadium erupted with the cheers of Aston Villa fans. Jack Grealish, once again wearing the captain's armband, was overwhelmed with joy. Despite not scoring, he was ecstatic about completing the arduous task of leading Villa back to the Premier League.
After the match, Sky Sports reporters approached Grealish. It was then that the world noticed he had been wearing the same pair of shoes for about six months. By now, the shoes were in a sorry state, with the upper part peeling off and looking ready for the trash.
The third-generation white Nike Hypervenom Phantom boots, now tattered, seemed more suitable for disposal than another grueling 90 minutes on the pitch. If those shoes could speak, they would likely be crying out for mercy from the relentless use.
Following the interview, the media buzzed about Grealish's shoes. However, by the first week of the 2019/20 Premier League season, the iconic boots were retired. Grealish decided it was time to rest the shoes that had become a part of his history.
Interestingly, Grealish continued to perform exceptionally well even without his so-called lucky shoes. During the 2020/21 season, he recorded six goals and 12 assists, marking his best statistical performance with Villa. His stellar play caught the attention of Manchester City, who signed him early in the 2021/22 season.
At City, Grealish's career flourished, adorned with trophies. Over two seasons, he won four titles, including the prestigious Champions League in 2022/23. In early 2023, he also signed a lucrative deal with the German sportswear giant Puma.
According to Footy Headlines, Grealish’s agreement with Puma made him the highest-paid English player for a boot contract ever, surpassing Harry Kane's £4 million per season deal with Nike. Grealish's deal reportedly brings in £10 million per season.
So, was it the Shaolin Soccer-like shoes that were Grealish's lucky charm? The evidence suggests his talent and hard work were the real magic, with the shoes playing a memorable supporting role in his journey.
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