Brajan Gruda scored during a 3–1 victory for the German national team against Serbia on March 3, completing nine of 14 dribblings after a solo run from his own half in the 50th minute, BILD reported.
Lionel Messi sent a package to Gruda in Leipzig containing a pair of his limited-edition Adidas F50 Messi El Último Tango football shoes featuring the Sol de Mayo sun icon, BILD reported. Only 208 pairs of the footwear exist worldwide, with Messi wearing one pair during his national team farewell match against Benin that ended in a 3–0 win, while distributing the remaining pairs to friends, companions, and ten selected talents globally.
“He has set the bar relatively high, it was an extraordinary debut. I am very happy for him,” said Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp.
Gruda is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Brighton, with a purchase obligation of 25 million euros that activates early in the new year after a set number of appearances, BILD reported. The 22-year-old holds both German and Albanian citizenship and comes from a football family, as his 63-year-old father Bujar Gruda previously played professionally for the Albanian club KF Vllaznia in the UEFA Cup.
“I’m smiling the whole time and I’m happy. It was a dream of mine and my family. They are happy and proud of me,” Gruda told BILD after his debut.
The 3–1 victory over Serbia kept Germany’s chances alive of reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League.
Which club holds Brajan Gruda’s permanent registration?
Gruda is officially on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for the current season.
How many total pairs of the Adidas F50 Messi El Último Tango boots exist?
Adidas manufactured exactly 208 pairs of the signature footwear globally, featuring the Sol de Mayo graphic used during Lionel Messi’s farewell appearance against Benin.
What is the activation detail for Gruda’s transfer fee?
RB Leipzig carries a purchase obligation of 25 million euros that triggers automatically at the start of the new year upon reaching a pre-determined appearance threshold.
Earlier coverage: Brajan Gruda Shines With Debüt Goal in Germany's Win Over Serbia
