Nike and Football Australia have teamed up with acclaimed Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie to create the first-ever Australian National Football Team Collection designed by a First Nations artist.
Set to be revealed on the Friday the 21st of February 2025, the collection reflects a shared vision of unity, progress, and football’s power to bring communities together. The partnership will align with the defining ethos of the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos – Forever Forging Forward – a mantra that embodies cultural representation, resilience, and inspiration.
For the first time in Australian football history, the jerseys will feature a design drawn from a 2024 Rennie painting, recently showcased in the National Gallery of Victoria’s REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie exhibition. The artwork incorporates a striking motif inspired by First Nations message sticks, traditionally used to pass messages between communities – symbolising connection, storytelling, and history.
Nike and Football Australia have today announced an innovative partnership with renowned Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Rennie said: “” 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.
“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,” he said.
Nike and Football Australia have also prioritised fan connection, designing a collection that resonates with supporters and champions the communities shaping Australia’s most diverse sport – from grassroots to the international arena.”.
Nike Pacific vice president and general manager, Ashley Read, added: “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.”
In a further show of unity, the new Australia National Football Team Collection will be worn by all Football Australia National Teams – including senior, youth, Paras and Futsal – starting with the CommBank Matildas during February’s SheBelieves Cup and the Subway Socceroos during their Round 3 AFC Asian Qualifiers in March.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson, said: “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.”
The new Australian National Football Team Collection home and away jerseys will be available in men’s, women’s and youth cuts from 8.00am AEDT, Friday 21 February from nike.com and Football Australia online shop, as well as through retail partners rebel, Ultra Football and SPT Football. The jerseys will be priced at $100 AUD for youth sizes and $125 AUD for stadium jerseys and $180 AUD for a match jersey.
Pictured: Reko Rennie