José is not any stranger to Medellín. It’s extra than simply his hometown—it’s his basis, his inventive pulse, and a relentless supply of inspiration. Now, he’s channeling that vitality into soccer, teaming up with EA SPORTS FC to launch a brand new pitch in Medellín’s Manrique neighborhood as a part of the FC FUTURES initiative.
Increasing their grassroots initiative past borders, EA SPORTS FC and LALIGA launched this soccer pitch in collaboration with Balvin’s basis Vibra en Alta, alongside Love.Fútbol and Fútbol con Corazón. The launch occasion featured a particular coaching session led by LALIGA legend Fernando Morientes, in addition to an look from Balvin himself, bringing music, tradition, and sport collectively in a means that felt deeply private.
The FC FUTURES program has already reworked a number of communities by means of funding in amenities, gear, and partnerships, however this explicit undertaking got here with a novel twist: the pitch itself was designed by Balvin, who infused the house together with his signature vibrant and colourful aesthetic.
Past the bodily house, the partnership additionally extends into the digital realm with Balvin unveiling an unique self-importance package in FC 25, set to launch in March. Designed in collaboration with EA SPORTS FC, these kits characterize the fusion of his private type with the worldwide tradition of soccer, reinforcing the concept music and sport are deeply intertwined.
In an unique dialog with Hypebeast, Balvin shares his ideas on the connection between music and soccer, the ability of genuine partnerships, and what this undertaking means for the way forward for his neighborhood.
Ea Sports activities Fc
Ea Sports activities Fc
HYPEBEAST: Because the starting of your profession, you’ve elevated your Medellín roots past music, bringing model companions and different supporters to strengthen the town. How does it really feel to do it as soon as once more with soccer and artwork?
J BALVIN: I imagine music and sports activities belong to the identical world—they’re deeply linked. Each are inventive expressions, methods for folks to indicate who they’re. Medellín, the town I’m honored to characterize, gave me the blessings to succeed in the place I’m right this moment. Giving again to my neighborhood is all the time a pleasure.
We grew up listening to that our environment had been harmful and darkish. Now, by means of sports activities and music, we will remodel that actuality. Children used to dream of being gangsters; now, they wish to be artists—not simply musicians like me, however sculptors, painters, and athletes too.
I’m at a degree in my life the place I don’t really feel the necessity to show something for validation. I simply wish to concentrate on working, having fun with myself, and giving again. My aim is to create a community the place we hold inspiring the subsequent generations in a constructive means, similar to many individuals impressed me to do what I do right this moment.
Ea Sports activities Fc
HYPEBEAST: You’re all the time strategic when selecting model collaborations, prioritizing long-term relationships. What makes this partnership with EA SPORTS FC really feel so genuine at this stage of your profession?
J BALVIN: The very first thing I search for is companions who really love what they do. There’s a distinction between doing enterprise with somebody and collaborating with people who find themselves keen about their work.
I gravitate towards manufacturers that spark nostalgia or hook up with my upbringing, or firms whose actions encourage me and permit me to dream—like EA SPORTS FC.
As a child, I dreamed of getting a Nintendo, however I didn’t have the sources. After I lastly obtained one, it felt like a serious accomplishment. This collaboration takes me again to these childhood desires and moments of pure pleasure.
Soccer and music are common passions. They’re not about standing or class; they’re one thing everybody can relate to. This partnership allowed me to reconnect with my youthful self whereas additionally giving again to my neighborhood by means of sports activities. And past that, we’re taking it past the digital house and bringing real-world motion to life.
In tasks like this, one plus one equals three. The synergy we’re creating is larger than we will even think about.
Ea Sports activities Fc
HYPEBEAST: What do you hope this pitch represents for future generations in Medellín?
J BALVIN: We’re constructing a calendar of actions to ensure this house stays energetic, in collaboration with the neighborhood. It’s not nearly soccer—we’re additionally bringing in breaking battles, freestyle competitions, music performances, and inventive showcases.
Retaining the circulate alive is crucial. We wish folks to really feel excited to occupy this house, and we hope that vitality spreads, inspiring the creation of extra areas like this throughout the neighborhood.
We’ve labored on comparable tasks up to now, however what we’re creating now’s on one other degree. And this time, it’s in partnership with EA SPORTS FC—do you perceive? It’s a childhood dream. I hope that is only the start of what we’re going to do collectively.
HYPEBEAST: This partnership brings each digital and bodily components, from the pitch to jersey kits. Are you able to stroll us by means of your inventive course of?
J BALVIN: After I collaborate on one thing, I must really feel linked to the ultimate end result. It’s a part of my identification—I get entangled in each element.
For instance, the pitch has a “bandana vibe” with child blue tones that I like. It’s not nearly constructing a soccer pitch; it’s about designing an environment the place folks really feel good. I do know that folks will come right here, take photos, and benefit from the house as a result of each factor was rigorously thought out.
HYPEBEAST: Talking of the kits, you first teased them on stage at an occasion in Madrid final yr, proper?
J BALVIN: Sure! I imagine in constructing tales round launches like this—dropping hints alongside the way in which in order that, ultimately, the whole lot is sensible. It’s just like how I launch albums—slowly, however with intention.
The truth that we designed these jerseys collectively, sifting by means of greater than 2,000 choices earlier than touchdown on one thing we’re really pleased with, is a victory. Folks will see them within the sport and in actual life. That’s one thing actually particular.
Ea Sports activities Fc
This collaboration with EA SPORTS FC is yet one more chapter in Balvin’s ever-expanding imaginative and prescient. Whether or not by means of music, style, or now soccer, his mission stays the identical: to raise tradition, empower his metropolis, and present the world the ability of Medellín.
