Australia have announced that fans will be able to buy the Nike Matildas' goalkeeper jersey from Tuesday, in another huge win for women's football.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Earps embroiled in jersey war with NikeLionesses shirt sold out in minutesAustralia goalkeeper strip now set to go on saleGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The iconic purple strip worn by Mackenzie Arnold in the Australia goal will be available to purchase via the Football Australia Online Store, while in-person shopping commences from Wednesday at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium. It is the first-ever replica jersey release from Nike for the Matildas side, a decision that was made thanks to fandom for goalkeepers taking on "a new energy" in recent years – especially since the World Cup on home soil in the summer.
AdvertisementWHAT NIKE SAID
Nike Pacific Vice President and General Manager, Ashley Reade, backed the decision, explaining in a statement: “In the past two decades, we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights thanks to the power of and pride of our National teams, like the Matildas. Last year’s tournament saw fandom for our goalkeepers take on a new energy which we loved to see. We are so proud of Mackenzie Arnold’s performances on and off the pitch. We also continue to be inspired by the broader goalkeeper squad, including Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams and Jada Mathyssen-Whyman. With this release, our first-ever replica goalkeeper jersey for an Australian football team, we look forward to seeing Aussie fans continue to show their support for the entire Matildas’ squad in another huge year for sport."
Getty ImagesWHAT ARNOLD SAID
Australia and West Ham 'keeper Arnold has also thanked the increasing support for herself and others in her position, stating: "The support we as goalkeepers have felt from our fans over the last year has been absolutely incredible. It means so much to me that we’ll head into another huge year for our team, and our sport, knowing that our families, friends and fans will be backing us all the way, and wearing our jerseys with pride.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The decision marks a decided change of approach from Nike compared to the delayed sale of Mary Earps' England shirt, whose replica jersey for the 2023 World Cup was not available to buy for many months. The Lionesses and Manchester United shot stopper then worked hard to question those involved, which eventually led to a U-turn from the sports apparel giants. Her jersey then sold out online within minutes.