Manchester United Women's 2018/19 player of the season Katie Zelem has officially signed with adidas as the Three Stripes bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign. It's been a huge summer for women's football and adidas are looking to build on that by adding another top player to their ranks.
With United set to make their bow in the WSL it's exciting times for the women's team, and with adidas on board throughout the club they're in good hands. Having been promoted in their debut season MUWFC are now in the big time, and have taken their first step to compete with the leading clubs in women's football. The game is growing and players such as Zelem are reaping the rewards of the collective hard work put in.
Katie, you’re now officially an Adidas athlete, how does it feel?
Honestly, it’s humbling. Your aim when you start playing professionally is just to push on as far as you can, I never really thought about the extra stuff, but when my agent mentioned adidas were interested in signing me it really was a no brainer. I played my best football last season in Predators, some of the legends of the game are with the brand and now I’m a part of that family too. It's unreal!
You won player of the season last season for Man United and the team are now in the WSL, excited?
Last season was perfect for us, I felt comfortable from day one being back in Manchester and we knew that Casey was going to demand excellence from us day in day out. This season is going to be a complete shift from last year though and we’re ready for that. We’ve recruited well, no one's place is safe and it’s down to us to make sure we represent the club the right way throughout the season.
When you think of adidas, what comes to mind?
Quite a few things to be honest. THAT Zidane volley, THAT Beckham free kick and of course Messi. But in years to come, I want young kids playing the game to walk into a shop and pick up a pair of Predator’s or Yeezy’s or whatever and say mum can I get these, I saw Katie Zelem in them, it’s about inspiring the next generation in how you play, how you carry yourself and more importantly how you make the fans feel.
Lastly, where do you see the women’s game going?
I love the direction the game is heading in. Watching the Lionesses was amazing, the way they fought and played and bought into Phil’s philosophy just shows you how much it means to play on the biggest stage. The WSL gets bigger each year, the fans are getting more and more involved and as long as we as players keep being positive role models, I don’t think it’ll be long before the women’s game really takes on a life of it’s own!
Zelem's agent, Akin Solanke-Caulker, Director at The Athletic Network, added; "Katie Zelem and Adidas Football go hand in hand. The way she plays the game is fearless, on the front foot and different from the rest - the same exact qualities adidas exude themselves. Every deal I do is unique, and this one in particular is going to in my opinion change the landscape of women’s football sponsorships moving forwards. Excited for Katie and thank you to Christoph and the team for believing in her!"
Pick up the adidas Predator 19+ football boots at prodirectsoccer.com
