Ahead of the release of the New Australia 25/26 jersey, we spoke to National Team athletes Steph Catley, Nestory Irankunda, and Kusini Yengi to explore their thoughts on the significance of the innovative new design.
Australia’s new 25/26 national team kit is more than just a look—it’s a statement. A fusion of identity, culture, and history, the design carries a deeper meaning, crafted to represent the diverse communities that shape Australian football. Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie, known for his bold visual language, played a key role in bringing this vision to life, ensuring the kit stands for more than aesthetics. Steph Catley, Nestory Irankunda, and Kusini Yengi sat down with us to talk about what it means to them—how it connects to their personal journeys and the significance it holds for the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas.
STEPH CATLEY, AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM
As someone who has played a huge role in elevating the profile of football in Australia, how do you view these kit moments?
Each kit launch is another opportunity for football to step into the spotlight. Every design holds its own significance. The last one was released just before the 2023 tournament, marking a huge moment for us as a national team. Beyond that, this kit makes a statement by celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity and acknowledging the First Nations people, making it even more meaningful.
You seem like someone who appreciates the extra layers of design and storytelling in a jersey. How much do you enjoy being part of something that represents an entire nation?
Australia is a multicultural country, and our team reflects that. The Matildas consist of players from diverse backgrounds, and we want young girls to see themselves in this kit—to believe they can be part of this journey. It’s more than football; it’s about inclusivity, unity, and inspiring the next generation. As a team, we consider ourselves a family, a welcoming space for anyone who wants to represent Australia. This kit embodies that spirit.
It’s amazing how powerful a jersey can be, isn’t it?
Absolutely. Football is a universal language. Regardless of where you come from, the game brings people together. A jersey is more than just fabric—it represents history, culture, and identity. This kit, in particular, acknowledges First Nations people, who are such a vital part of Australian history. It’s a powerful symbol of what Australia is and what it should continue to be—diverse, inclusive, and proud.
“Football is about more than results; it connects people in a way no other sport does. To have played a part in that, alongside my teammates, is something I’ll always be proud of. But there’s still so much more to do. The goal now is to keep pushing, to keep inspiring, and to make sure this progress is just the beginning.”
The connection between players and fans is special, and the jersey is one thing that unites them. How would you describe the bond Matildas fans share with the team?
Our fans are incredible. They come from all walks of life—different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. 2023 amplified that support. We saw so many new fans, from young kids to older generations, all coming together. Even when we play overseas, there are always Aussies in the crowd. It’s more than football; it’s about national pride and passion. The Matildas have often been seen as underdogs, and people love watching us take on the world’s best. That energy fuels us, and we always make an effort to connect with our fans to show how much we appreciate them. It feels like one big family.
Nike seems to have a special relationship with the Australian national teams. Does it feel like they put extra love into these jerseys?
Nike has been incredible for women’s football in Australia. My career has grown alongside the women’s game, and Nike has been there from the start, always backing us. They don’t just create jerseys—they invest in us and what we represent. This latest kit is another example of that. It feels like a natural evolution from our last kit, which captured that electric green and gold energy. This one adds another layer—it’s about legacy, inclusivity, and making a statement.
When you think about success in this kit, what do you visualize?
Success is about perspective. Before the last major tournament, we might have defined it as winning. But by the end, we realised we had succeeded in other ways—bringing people together, leaving a legacy, inspiring the next generation. This kit is part of that journey. It represents progress, growth, and everything we’re building as a team. It’s not just about us; it’s about the whole country supporting and pushing women’s football forward.
The impact of the Matildas has been massive. How do you compare where the game was before the 2023 to where it is now?
The shift has been unbelievable. 2023 changed everything. After the tournament, we heard so many stories—parents telling us their daughters now believe they can achieve anything, women sharing how they finally felt represented. Football purists in Australia had never seen anything like it. It was more than just sport; it was a cultural moment. Now, it’s about keeping that momentum going, ensuring women’s football continues to grow in this country.
NESTORY IRANKUNDA, AUSTRALIA MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM
The journey you've been on has taken you all over the world—flights here, there, and everywhere. What's it been like for you so far, going from Adelaide to Munich, with Switzerland in between?
It's been an incredible ride. Every move has come with its own set of challenges, whether it's adapting to a new playing style, dealing with injuries, or just settling into a new country. But that's football—that's life. Each challenge is a chance to grow, and I feel like I've handled it well.
What's it like being involved in moments like this—kit launches, shoots with the Socceroos?
It’s honestly a dream come true. Moments like this remind me why I worked so hard to get here. It’s not just about wearing the jersey—it’s about representing a new generation of Australian footballers. That’s something I take real pride in.
The first impression of this kit—it’s bold, vibrant, full of character. What was your reaction when you first saw it?
I was blown away. It’s such a striking design, so much personality in it. The colours, the details —it’s unreal. You see it, and you just know it’s going to stand out on the pitch.
Do you think kits have become a bigger part of football culture for your generation?
For sure. Players want to wear something that looks and feels great. A kit is more than just a uniform—it’s an identity. When you step onto the pitch, you want to feel like you’re representing something special, and this one does that.
“Every footballer dreams of wearing their national team kit, singing the anthem, and playing for their country. I’ve been lucky enough to experience that, and it never gets old. You feel that responsibility when you put it on—you want to give everything for the badge, for your family, for the fans.”
This jersey carries a message, especially in its connection to First Nations culture. How important is it for a kit to represent the whole country?
It’s massive. A jersey should tell a story, and this one does. It reflects the diversity and history of Australia, giving recognition to First Nations communities. I think once people see it and learn about it, they’ll appreciate it even more.
How would you describe the spirit and identity of Australian football to someone who’s never experienced it?
It’s built on resilience, passion, and pride. There’s a deep history behind it, and this kit captures that. You look closer, and you see those details—every part of it means something. For people who don’t know much about Australian football, this kit gives them a glimpse into what we’re all about.
Nike plays a huge role in putting Australian football on the map. How does it feel to see them give the Socceroos this kind of treatment?
It’s amazing. It’s great to see Australia getting that recognition, to be part of a global football conversation. Nike’s platform helps elevate the game, helps push us forward, and that can only be a good thing for Australian football.
There are kids looking up to you, wanting to follow in your footsteps. How do you reflect on that?
It’s humbling. I’ve worked hard to get here, but this is just the beginning—there’s so much more I want to achieve. For young players watching, my advice is simple: focus on your craft, stay committed, and believe in yourself. Playing for your country, competing on the biggest stage—that’s the ultimate goal, and it’s worth every bit of hard work.
KUSINI YENGI, AUSTRALIA MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM
So, what’s life been like over here? Obviously, you’d seen it from afar, but now that you’re fully immersed in it, how does it feel?
Before moving to the UK, I’d visited a few times since my mum was born here. I always loved the culture—especially the football culture—and the whole vibe of the place. The climate took a little getting used to, but honestly, it’s been everything I expected and more. I’ve settled in well, and I’m loving it.
Speaking of the Socceroos, what’s it been like getting involved in the national team setup?
It’s incredible. Every kid dreams of playing for their country, and to actually put on that jersey is a surreal feeling. It’s not just about the football—it’s the whole experience of representing something bigger than yourself, traveling to different countries, and playing against some of the best in the world. It’s something I don’t take for granted, and I’m loving every second of it.
“I’ve never been afraid to stand out, to wear something a little different. This jersey does exactly that—it’s bold, and I’m all for it.”
Tell us a bit about yourself. You come across as a creative person—fair to say?
Yeah, I’d say so. My background is a real mix—my mum’s from the UK, my dad’s from South Sudan—so I’ve been exposed to different cultures, different styles, different ways of seeing the world. That definitely shapes who I am, both on and off the pitch. I try to bring all of those influences together in how I express myself.
The new kit is making waves—bold design, big statement. What was your first impression when you saw it?
It’s different, in the best way. Bright, full of flair—it’s got personality. And that kind of reflects me as a player, too. I can’t wait to wear it. When I see it hanging in the dressing room before a game, I’ll know it’s time to go out there and put on a show.
This kit carries a strong message, supporting First Nations communities in Australia. That kind of cultural representation is powerful, right?
It’s huge. Australia is such a diverse country—different people, landscapes, and cultures all coming together. Growing up, I played alongside kids from all sorts of backgrounds, and that’s what makes Australian football so incredible. It’s great to see that diversity recognised on a big stage, and Nike’s commitment to showcasing that is really special.
Do you like having the opportunity to stand behind a message like that? To be a face of something bigger, representing people who look up to you?
Yeah, for sure. My parents were my biggest role models, and they always taught me to carry myself with pride and represent where I come from. Now, I have the chance to do that on a much bigger stage. It’s a responsibility, but one I embrace fully. Nike is a brand that stands for boldness and courage, and to work with them, to wear this jersey, and to represent Australia—it’s an honour.
Shop the new Australia collection at Nike.com
