A Landmark Collaboration for Australian Football
The Matildas and Socceroos are set to make a historic return, wearing matching kits for the first time since 2019. This significant collaboration with First Nations artist Reko Rennie is a powerful statement of unity and cultural representation. Rennie, a Kamilaroi artist renowned for his bold and contemporary approach to Indigenous art, has previously lent his creative touch to sports apparel, such as the Formula 1 helmet he designed for Daniel Ricciardo in 2022. The new kit, scheduled to debut during the SheBelieves Cup in February 2025, not only represents a visual triumph but also underscores the deep cultural significance of this design. Nike and Football Australia will officially unveil the kits on February 21, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Australian football.
The Art of Unity
Reko Rennie’s design is more than just a striking visual; it’s a narrative of unity and cultural visibility. The anthem jacket, previewed for the public, features light green and dark green sleeves, punctuated by bold pink accents along the shoulders. The main kit is expected to incorporate a chevron pattern in traditional Australian sporting colors of green and gold. This chevron design is particularly significant as it is commonly found on First Nations messaging sticks, which were used to communicate important messages between communities. According to Nike Brand Director Nick Atkinson, the kit’s design is deeply rooted in storytelling. ‘Storytelling is the defining characteristic of the references contained in the jersey, whether that’s the home kit, the away kit, or the anthem jersey,’ Atkinson said. ‘The chevron pattern symbolizes moving forward, and the overall design aims to convey a message of unity through cultural visibility.’
A Step Toward Equality and Representation
Since 2019, the Matildas and Socceroos have worn different kits, with the Matildas donning a teal away kit during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The decision to bring both teams back under a single design reflects Football Australia’s broader vision for unity and equality. CEO James Johnson emphasized the importance of this move, describing it as a statement of solidarity. ‘This is going to be a very important period for Australian football. We will see the Socceroos qualify for the World Cup in this uniform, and in the same uniform, we will see the Matildas compete at the Asian Cup,’ Johnson said. The SheBelieves Cup, which runs from February 19 to February 27, 2025, will see the Matildas facing off against some of the world’s best, including the reigning Olympic champions and world number one, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), as well as Japan and Colombia. Johnson acknowledged the tournament’s significance in challenging the team and building toward the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. ‘This is a tremendous opportunity for the CommBank Matildas to compete against some of the world’s best teams on an international platform,’ he added.
Revitalizing the Matildas
The Matildas are poised to make a strong statement in the SheBelieves Cup, and the return of star player Sam Kerr after a long injury layoff could be a significant boost. The 10th edition of the tournament is an elite competition, featuring top teams from around the world. The Matildas’ schedule includes matches against Japan on February 20, the USWNT on February 23, and Colombia on February 26. These high-stakes matches will serve as a crucial test for the team, providing them with valuable experience and exposure. Football Australia’s vision is clear: to elevate the Matildas and prepare them for the challenges ahead. Johnson reiterated, ‘The SheBelieves Cup aligns with our vision to challenge the team in high-stakes environments as we continue to elevate the Matildas and build towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.’
The Socceroos’ Journey to 2026
While the Matildas are gearing up for the SheBelieves Cup, the Socceroos are on their path toward the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team has already advanced to the third round of Asian qualifying, competing in Group C alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia. A top-two finish in this group will secure direct qualification for the tournament. The Socceroos have shown impressive form in the second round, winning all six matches against Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Palestine, scoring 22 goals without conceding a single one. Head coach Graham Arnold is optimistic about the team’s potential to make a significant impact on the global stage. ‘I think we’re on the edge of doing something special,’ Arnold said. ‘What really frustrated me after the Asian Cup and knocked me about was that I’m sick to death of the Socceroos being the hard-luck story of just getting beaten by a top nation. Whether it’s Argentina at the World Cup, Mexico when we were up 2-0, or losing in the last minute against South Korea in the Asian Cup, I said to the boys that I’m sick of us being the hard-luck story.’ The Socceroos are aiming for a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance, maintaining their consistent presence on the world stage since 2006.
A Visual and Cultural Milestone
The introduction of the new kits designed by Reko Rennie is a visual and cultural milestone for Australian football. The chevron pattern and the bold use of colors are not just stylistic choices but meaningful symbols that carry the weight of First Nations heritage. This collaboration is a testament to the growing recognition and respect for Indigenous culture in sports and society. The kits will serve as a medium for a powerful message of unity and progress, reinforcing the bond between the Matildas and Socceroos. As the SheBelieves Cup and the Socceroos’ qualifying matches draw near, both teams are set to make a strong statement on and off the field, embodying the spirit of Australian football and the rich tapestry of First Nations art.
Looking Forward to a Bright Future
The new kits designed by Reko Rennie will debut in 2025, a year that promises to be a landmark in the history of Australian football. Both the Matildas and Socceroos will don these unified jerseys, symbolizing the strength and diversity of the sport in the country. The SheBelieves Cup will be a crucial platform for the Matildas to showcase their skills and resilience, while the Socceroos aim to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This collaboration is more than a sports apparel project; it’s a step toward greater cultural representation and a celebration of the unity that football can foster. As the teams prepare to face their challenges, the new kits will remind them and their fans of the rich cultural heritage and the shared vision for a bright and inclusive future in Australian football.
