Should Adidas and Nike Start to Use Scannable Authentic Badges?
Aug 9, 2026, by Phan Tich Giay
- Napoli's Innovative Authentic Badge: Napoli's new 26-27 kits, designed by EA7, feature an upgraded authentic badge with an integrated NFC chip, allowing fans to easily verify the shirt's authenticity by scanning it with a smartphone.
- Limitations of Current Adidas and Nike Badges: Both Adidas and Nike currently use standard physical authentic badges that are easily replicated by counterfeiters, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from fakes, even with replicated product codes.
- Proposed Solution for Major Brands: Given the rising sophistication of counterfeit goods, the text suggests that Adidas and Nike should seriously consider adopting NFC chip technology in their authentic badges as a pioneering solution to protect fans and combat the issue of fake merchandise.
Napoli recently launched their new 26-27 kits, featuring a commendable upgrade to their authentic badge. In a landscape where counterfeit goods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, EA7 has integrated an NFC chip into the authentic badge to help fans easily verify genuine shirts.
EA7 Napoli 26-27 Authentic Kit Badge - NFC Chip
The EA7 authentic badge designed for the Napoli kit features a silicone border. This serves the specific purpose of marking the authentic shirt to distinguish it from the standard replica version.
To enhance brand recognition and showcase meticulous care in their design, EA7 integrated an NFC chip. This technology allows fans to easily scan the badge with a smartphone camera, which then directs them to a website to verify the authenticity of the item.
This is clearly an incredibly useful move by EA7 and one that is entirely worthy for top-tier brands like Adidas and Nike to adopt.
The Current State of Nike and Adidas Badges
Both Adidas and Nike currently rely on standard physical authentic badges. While Nike uses a small fabric badge attached to the hem, Adidas utilizes a higher-end soft rubber material.
Nowadays, real and fake shirts are increasingly difficult to distinguish. Counterfeiters can easily copy the physical authentic badges, and they can even replicate the exact product codes found on authentic shirts, making visual differentiation harder than ever.
Because of this escalating issue, integrating an NFC chip directly into the authentic badge could be a pioneering solution in the coming years, and it is a technical solution that Adidas and Nike should seriously consider adopting to protect fans.
Would you like to see Adidas and Nike introduce scannable NFC chips on their authentic badges, or do you think physical badges are enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Nike Phantom 6 Haaland Chapter 5 Boots Revealed - Reactive Nike Hydra Upper
Through its partner stores, Nike has officially revealed Erling Haaland's fifth signature edition, the Nike Phantom 6 Haaland Chapter 5 from his Force of Nature collection. Finished in a Baltic Blue colorway with cloud-inspired graphics across the rear, the low-cut boot introduces Nike's Hydra treatment, which uses reactive white ink that vanishes when wet to uncover additional details of the graphic beneath. Engineered for lethal finishing in the 26-27 season, the boot combines a Gripknit upper with a Cyclone 360 soleplate and is scheduled to launch on October 1, 2026. Huge thanks to Pro Direct and Unisportsore for images and the video.
Fortuna Sittard 26-27 Cup Kit Released - Sponsorless 1957 Tribute
Dutch Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard and technical supplier Robey have officially revealed a special cup kit for the 26-27 campaign. Created in collaboration with design agency 51North, this release marks the very first dedicated cup kit in the club's history. It serves as a direct tribute to predecessor club Fortuna '54, who won the 1957 KNVB Beker with a memorable Bram Appel hat-trick against Feyenoord.
The Robey Fortuna Sittard 26-27 cup shirt faithfully revives the historic look with a white base highlighted by broad horizontal red and blue stripes across the chest, completing the Dutch tricolor. In true vintage fashion, the jersey comes with long sleeves as standard and features a retro polo collar. Club sponsors voluntarily stepped aside to allow a completely clean, sponsorless front, while the Robey branding and club badge are subtly embroidered in tonal white to maintain the authentic aesthetic.
Additional bespoke details round off the historic tribute. A heritage Fortuna '54 tag sits near the bottom hem, and an embroidered depiction of the KNVB Cup sits neatly below the back collar, added with official federation approval. The shirt is worn with matching white shorts and socks, completing a timeless look for Fortuna's cup run.
FIFA ASEAN Cup Features Same Left-Sleeve Kit Badge as in 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
The opening match between Laos and Brunei provided a full reveal of the sleeve patch pairing for the inaugural FIFA-organized Southeast Asian tournament.
Moving away from the previously expected navy blue, the official tournament patches feature a clean white base. Most notably, the "Football Unites the World" sleeve patch on the left arm is the exact same design that made a single, exclusive appearance at the recent World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.
Big thanks to @What The Kit for spotting and making the collage.
