Calafiori scores in Beckham boots as Arsenal fight back: ‘My goal is to play is as many positions as possible’
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Noni Madueke during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Riccardo Calafiori sparked Arsenal’s comeback against Leeds United on Saturday, and he did it in boots honouring one of English football’s most famous goals.
As noted by LiveScore, the Italy defender was the first player to wear and score in Adidas’ new David Beckham Predators. The special edition marks 25 years since Beckham’s free-kick against Greece sent England to the 2002 World Cup.
Arsenal trailed to James Justin’s 55th-minute strike, but Calafiori levelled seven minutes later from close range after Ben White nodded Noni Madueke’s cross back across goal. Bruno Guimarães then struck the winner.
Riccardo Calafiori is the first player to wear 𝙖𝙣𝙙 score in the 🆕 David Beckham Predators 👟✨
The special edition pair celebrates 25 years since Becks’ iconic free-kick sent England to the World Cup 🎯
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 10, 2026
Calafiori on his best position at Arsenal
Calafiori made his name at Bologna under Thiago Motta and at Euro 2024, often stepping out of central defence into midfield. After the match, Joe Cole asked him which role he prefers on TNT Sports.
“What is your favourite position? Because you were signed as a centre-half, I watched you play in Italy as a centre-half…”
“It really depends on how you play in that team, because if you look at the games, with Italy and with Bologna that season, I was going around a lot. So I like this!”
Martin Keown chipped in: “You’re too good to play centre-half.”
Calafiori laughed it off: “No, no, no, I also enjoy to play centre-half to be honest, but my goal as a player is to be able to play in as many positions as I can.”
He operated on the left against Leeds before making way for Piero Hincapié in the 82nd minute.
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