Creative Soccer Culture

Nike Reveal First Australian National Football Team Collection Designed By A First Nations Artist

Set to debut when the Matilda’s take on Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, Nike and Football Australia have unveiled the 2025 Australian National Football Team Collection, designed by renowned Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie.

Nike and Football Australia drop a game-changer, unveiling the first-ever Australian National Team Collection designed by a First Nations artist. A milestone moment for the game Down Under, the collab sees the fusion of First Nations storytelling with football’s relentless forward momentum – a bold statement of progress, unity, and excellence. At the heart of the collection, Reko Rennie’s deep connection to the sport shines through, delivering a fresh, contemporary spin on Australia’s iconic green and gold.

Inspired by traditional message sticks – used by First Nations communities to share stories and build connections – the kits are laced with cultural significance. The Home jersey reworks the classic green and gold into a modern masterpiece, paired with deep green shorts for a clean, powerful look. The Away kit switches it up with a reimagined side-panel graphic, featuring Rennie’s signature pink – a nod to the ochre tones found in First Nations art.

Steph Catley of the Matildas said of the jersey: "It’s a beautiful design—quintessentially Australian with its green and gold, but the patterns and detailing make it unique. It’s different, and that’s what makes it stand out. I can't wait to wear it on the pitch."

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Reko Rennie said: "It’s been incredible to work on these kits, connecting the game I love, First Nations culture and the athletes and fans who make up the Australian football community.

“It's a huge achievement and it’s so wild that I've had this opportunity and I'm representing my community. If someone had told 12-year-old Reko, a diehard football fan, that one day I’d have this opportunity, I would have never believed them!”

For the first time ever, the Aboriginal Flag takes pride of place inside both the home and away shirts – a moment of recognition and respect woven directly into the national team’s identity.

Off the pitch, the anthem jacket brings First Nations storytelling to streetwear, rocking a bold pink pattern in an oversized vintage fit that merges heritage with modern style. And it doesn’t stop there – dropping in April 2025, the full lifestyle collection delivers for fans with statement fleeces, jackets, and vests, all echoing the energy of the National Team Kit.

Football Australia CEO, James Johnson said: "Football Australia is incredibly proud to unveil the first-ever national team jersey designed by a First Nations artist, marking a historic milestone for our sport. This collection embodies the essence of our ‘Forever Forging Forward’ philosophy – championing progress, inclusivity, and excellence at every level of the game.

“We are particularly thrilled that both the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos will unite under a single, unified jersey. This kit will be proudly worn by the CommBank Matildas from now through to 2026 including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, and by the Subway Socceroos throughout the remainder of their AFC Asian Qualifiers as they continue their journey toward the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“More than just a jersey, this kit is a powerful symbol of Australia’s footballing identity – seamlessly blending First Nations storytelling with cutting-edge performance innovation. It ensures that when our teams take the field, they do so in a design that honours both our rich cultural heritage and our bold ambitions on the global stage."

Shop the new Australia collection at Nike.com

Author
Daniel Jones

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