Nike and Football Australia have collaborated with acclaimed Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie to create the first-ever Australian National Football Team Collection designed by a First Nations artist.
Set to launch on 21 February 2025, the partnership centres on the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos’ shared brand essence of ‘Forever Forging Forward’, embodying cultural representation and continuous progress through a bold new kit design that celebrates First Nations storytelling.
Rennie, who recently showcased his work in a major retrospective at the National Gallery of Victoria, has incorporated elements from his 2024 painting featured in the REKOSPECTIVE exhibition.
The jersey’s centrepiece draws inspiration from traditional First Nations message sticks, historically used for inter-community communication.
Reko Rennie explains his profound understanding of football’s community-building potential and its important connection with his first nations design.
“I have a deep connection to the culture of football. Growing up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, I saw first-hand how the game united the local community I was a part of, and what it means to wear the national jersey. To feel part of something bigger,” explained Rennie via Football Australia press release.
“I am proud to have designed this kit, it is a bold statement of cultural visibility, celebrating the diverse communities changing the game for the future – a message of unity from the oldest continuous civilisation on earth to everyone, united through football.”
Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Read emphasised the brand’s commitment to innovation.
“Since the brand’s inception into the beautiful game, Nike Football has been a catalyst for change. Nike are proud to partner with Reko Rennie and Football Australia for this Collection and look forward to seeing Australian’s come together to support their national teams in the new green and gold,” commented Read via official Football Australia press release.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson also highlighted the sport’s inclusive nature.
“Football is Australia’s most diverse team sport, and its multiculturalism is its superpower. The new national team kits reflect our commitment to innovation and inspiring the next generation of footballers. ‘Forever Forging Forward’ is more than a brand identity – it’s our guiding philosophy as we shape the future of Australian football,” Johnson commented via official Football Australia press release.
The collection will debut with the CommBank Matildas during February’s SheBelieves Cup and the Subway Socceroos during their Round 3 AFC Asian Qualifiers in March.
All Football Australia National Teams, including senior, youth, Paras and Futsal teams, will wear the new designs.
The jerseys will be available from 8.00am AEDT, 21 February, through Nike’s website and Football Australia’s online shop, as well as retail partners rebel, Ultra Football and SPT Football.
This landmark collaboration represents a significant step forward in celebrating Australia’s First Nations culture on the global sporting stage, allowing first nations artists to take control of their story and narrative while reinforcing football’s unique ability to unite diverse communities across the nation.
