Just seen an exclusive in Shortlist combining two of my passions in life.  Football and tha intellegcnt use of data to create something exciting.  Lionel Messi has been included in the redesign of the f50 football boots for Adidas.  The big difference is that these boots include a wireless chip (the miCoach speed cell) that will synch to an APP which can then be shared to your facebook, twitter accounts.

Yeah, ok so what, I already that the ipad/nike + hook up thing. I’ll tell you what…this…

the really exciting bit. 

If you buy the boots with the bundle, then the miCoach speed cell will link to an Avatar that will reflect your performance (on the pitch – I have no idea how your boots will know if you have made a goal saving tackle or if you have scored a wonder goal – so I’ll assume that you can add some extra information (or pay someone to independently assess your performance).

As you log more performances your avatar will start to reflect your personality (of performance), and develop a top trumps style, ahem Opta Stats rating of performance.   Your avatar rating can then be taken into interactive games against your mates…imagine that in FIFA 13.

Now my football career was short lived, at a low (but international*) level, but I still am my prime in relation to the intelligent use of data to make things fantastic (ala Websand).  

The boots are out in November, so I need to find a team sharpish.

Sub note related to International football - *I lived in Dubai for a bit and played for a few teams out there in the expat league.  So it counts.