As with 2022, the 2024 edition of the Santan Cup, the annual tournament hosted by UK rap phenomenon Dave, gave us an early preview of an upcoming instalment from the collaboration between New Balance and Stone Island.
The Santan Cup has become a fixture in the football calendar since its debut back in 2017, with founder Santandave rounding up some of the biggest names in the UK Rap scene to face off for glory and – more importantly – bragging rights. With previous editions rocking up to locations across the globe, including Dave’s hometown of Streatham, Rio and Miami, this year it was all eyes on the home of England Football, St. George’s Park. But it was Dave's team kit that caught our attention...
With the likes of KidSuper’s Colm Dillane, French rapper Tiakola, and Don Strapzy all turning up to go head-to-head for the crown, players were kitted out in the very latest New Balance lifestyle product, and in amongst that was the latest exclusive New Balance and Stone Island kits. Back in 2022, Dave's team, Santan FC were decked out in an unreleased kit from New Balance x Stone Island, confirming the rumoured collaboration that was first announced back in 2021. That ultimately gave us a capsule collection featuring a dual branded Furon v7, which Raheem Sterling wore for what was at the time, Stone Island’s first on-pitch appearance.
Now we get the first sure sign of a follow up with a pair of monochrome kits presented in opposing black and white, both with the same branding and sponsor setup as the 2022 kit. Does this mean we’ll be getting a wider collection with another boot drop? Perhaps we might see the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze or even Endrick sporting them on pitch? Early days yet, but clearly something on the horizon.
Watch this space for more on New Balance x Stone Island as and when it happens.
