Nike released the Socceroos and Matildas 2018 World Cup kits yesterday. To put it lightly, the reactions have been negative from Australian fans.
Nike Pacific general manager Ashley Reade said of the jerseys, “The new Socceroos and Matildas jerseys belong to all Australians. It’s going to be truly exciting to see our Australian national teams Play Gold on the world stage, led by the Matildas this week and the Socceroos in Russia.”
Despite Reade’s comments, the response was not nearly as positive as he and the Socceroos would have been expecting after the much-anticipated release.
A different look from 2014’s classier and cleaner jerseys, many were hoping for a similar look and a potential return to the classic 1980s kit.
It is obvious that Socceroos and Matildas supporters feel at least a little let down after their requests went unanswered, with some even calling for Adidas to step in and take the reins in four years’ time.
(Supplied: Nike)
(Supplied: Nike)
Now that’s a jersey. #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/VFVuY4164F
— tin (@vprojcevski) April 5, 2018
Yo @adidasfootball can you do our jerseys from now on?
— Conor (@conor_cochrane) April 5, 2018
It’s a big no for the new @Socceroos kit from me. Both home and away are horrid. Sorry. #Socceroos #WorldCup
— Anthony Brien (@Ant_Brien) April 5, 2018
At least I won't be forking out $120 for that new #socceroos jersey. No thank you.
— Piaranovic (@shakeyourface) April 5, 2018
The new Socceroos home kit doesn't bother me. I'll most likely buy it. But I'd be curious to know what bs spin they say about the design to 'win' fans over. Are the sleeves supposed to mimic Mt Kosciuszko or something?
— Les Street (@official_lesdog) April 5, 2018
Genuine question:
Every single kit launch, Socceroos fans say “We just want a gold shirt, green shorts, white socks”.So why do you so actively avoid just giving the public what they want?
Who decided that ‘giant bananas with weird tiger/cobweb sleeves’ was better idea?
— Jack Quigley (@Jack_Quigley) April 5, 2018
The Socceroo's green world cup away jersey looks like someone couldn't afford to put a collar on it … Bring back the 80's gear!
#SocceroosKit #Socceroos pic.twitter.com/Lui6cisLsn— Kickass Koala ?? (@kickass_koala) April 5, 2018
#Socceroos#SpewKit pic.twitter.com/TKkdUfNna1
— Kazonaki (@kazonis) April 5, 2018
(Supplied: Nike)
Of course, not everyone disliked the kits. In scouring Twitter, we found a few positive reactions. It seemed as if the green jerseys were the only outfit that got some form of approval.
I’m actually loving the new nike kit in#green for the #socceroos home kit looks good. #JustForKicks
— Dominic Dwyer-Hutchinson (@dwyerhutchinson) April 5, 2018
Green away jersey is back. It’s about time.
— The Dilettante (@NaoetsuCafe) April 5, 2018
In addition to the gold and green get-ups, the goalkeepers will sport a purple jersey.
Needless to say, it appears that the design of these jerseys aren’t going to make a reappearance in the next World Cup unless Nike and the Socceroos want to face the backlash they are today.
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