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In a groundbreaking step for Australian football, Football Australia has revealed its new playing kits, which are the first-ever designed by a First Nations artist.
The kits, created in collaboration with Nike, feature artwork by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie and will be worn by all national football teams, including the Matildas, Socceroos, youth, Para, and Futsal teams.
The ‘Forever Forging Forward’ collection represents a dream opportunity for Rennie, a self-described football enthusiast.
“It’s such a huge honour to have created and designed the kit,” Rennie said.
“Seeing the materials run out and on the pitch, it’s quite overwhelming. I’m super proud to have this opportunity to represent Australia with my work.”
Mr Rennie says the kit reflects the country’s vibrant multiculturalism while honouring First Nations culture.
“The main message is about inclusivity and cultural diversity. Modern-day Australia is a representation of a very multicultural society, and we’re made up of very different communities.
“This design is a contemporary representation of Australia now, incorporating the world’s oldest living continuous culture and First Nations design … it’s a kit that will definitely stand out.”
For Rennie, the project holds personal significance.
“The chevron patterning honours the world’s oldest living continuous culture … It’s a very important symbol of our identity and the history of this country, and it needs to be acknowledged.
The Home jerseys feature Rennie’s signature bold linework in a distinct zig-zag pattern.
“What better way to do it than with a national kit shown around the world.”
Football Australia previewed the new kits ahead of the Matildas’ SheBelieves Cup match against Japan.
Indigenous football figures have strongly supported the new designs.
Fred Agius, a former A-League midfielder and Narugga and Kaurna man, noted that the design would inspire future generations of Indigenous players.
“This jersey will instil pride in past players and give all Indigenous Australians a sense of honour from this recognition,” he told the National Indigenous Times.
Rennie also shared how important it is that the design will be featured on every national team jersey, not just for one specific round.
“It’s not just a one-off for Indigenous round; it’s a statement by global Australia that they want to have Indigenous representation on the national jerseys moving forward,” he said.
“This initiative is a reminder of who we are as a contemporary society and where we come from.”
The new kits will be worn by the Matildas during the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and by the Socceroos in their remaining AFC Asian Qualifiers. The design’s global exposure, including the World Cup next year, is something Rennie looks forward to with great pride.
“This is an important step where inclusivity is incorporated, particularly in sport, and especially in football. To see my design worn globally is a huge honour.”
