Key Points
- Nike faced backlash from players and fans for not releasing goalkeeper jerseys during the Women's World Cup.
- Matildas fans will be able to get their hands on Mackenzie Arnold, Teegan Micah and Lydia Williams jerseys.
- Nike has comitted to new jerseys after signing a 10 year partnership extension with Football Australia.
Matildas fans have had their wishes granted as Nike announced it will release the highly sought after goalkeeper jerseys made popular during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold showed the world why she's called "the brick wall" when she spectacularly saved four penalties during the quarter final shootout against France.
However, fans were disappointed to learn they couldn't don Arnold's colours, or goalkeeper jerseys worn by Teegan Micah and Lydia Williams, as Nike did not manufacture them.
Australians voiced their frustrations online, demanding gear for their favourite players after smashing 2019 World Cup gear sales 19-fold.
On Friday, as Nike revealed a ten-year extension for their partnership with Football Australia, they also admitted they got it wrong and would release more jerseys in the future.
"We recognise that during the tournament we didn’t serve those fans who wished to show their support to the squad’s goalkeepers," Nike Pacific vice president Ashley Reade said.
"[We] are committed to and are working with Football Australia to ensure we retail women’s goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future.
"Along with the nation, all of us at Nike continue to be inspired by the Matildas and are working hard to serve fans with the biggest and best team collections.”
So when will you be able to get your hands on new Matildas jerseys?
The Matildas will play Uzbekistan in February in a bid to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Nike has not finalised release dates for the pink, purple and black goalkeeper jerseys but fans hope to be able to purchase them ahead of the July start for the Games.
Matildas match jerseys have been sold out across the country since the World Cup, with Nike promising to replenish stock in months to come.
