Mario and Luigi were spotted at the Euro 2024 game between Croatia and Albania today, and now fans want a pair of the boots too.
Football fans and gamers have both had something entertaining to watch lately, in the form of the Euro 2024 and all the video games showcases, concluding with this week’s impressive Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo’s showcase saw lots of announcement, including that of a new Mario & Luigi role-player, scheduled to release on November 7.
During the group stage game between Croatia and Albania, at the Euros earlier today, the two plumber brothers were spotted again, this time on the boots of one of the players.
It was Albania’s winger Jasir Asani who wore the Super Mario boots, although it’s not clear why he had his footwear customised to feature the most famous video game character of all time.
The design is great, but what makes it even better is that Mario is featured on one boot and Luigi is on the other.
It’s not uncommon for footballers to customise their shoes, but it’s exceedingly rare to see video games make an appearance.
Unsurprisingly, fans – either of Asani himself or Super Mario – found it very amusing on Twitter.
i need those
— JR999 ð®ð¹ (@JetRed999) June 19, 2024
Wtf bro?ððð he must have liked them growing up?
— Mal (@iamBinHuzairu) June 19, 2024
Looks like bro’s gonna get to go home early during this tournament so he can play all the Super Mario his heart desires.
— Michael & Chloe | Nomad And In Love (@nomadandinlove) June 19, 2024
Despite the rarity of seeing video game characters on their boots, lots of footballers are known to be gamers.
Neymar has been seen playing Fortnite, and more recently Counter-Strike 2, when he complained about his shot not registering after he died in the game.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney even joined a influencer Pro Clubs team in EA Sports FC 24, after being pranked on his first day of training.
There’s also former Italy and Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘Super Mario’, although it’s not clear whether he was actually a fan of the games.
Albania drew Croatia 2-2 and unfortunately Asani didn’t score, as it would’ve been interesting to see if he had a Super Mario-themed celebration prepared.