Marathon Criticized for Using AI Launch Images for Special Ecuador Kit
1 hour ago, by Phan Tich Giay
- Marathon Sports Criticism: Ecuador kit supplier Marathon Sports received significant criticism from fans after promotional images for their new limited-edition national team jersey were quickly identified as being generated by artificial intelligence.
- AI Imagery for Special Kit: Instead of a traditional photoshoot, the brand launched a bespoke yellow collector's jersey for an international friendly using stylized tabletop flat-lay pictures that later proved to be AI-generated, featuring surrounding items like sketches and drafting instruments.
- Blatant AI Flaws Identified: Eagle-eyed collectors spotted multiple giveaways of AI generation, including a plastic ruler with nonsensical numerical sequences, melting scissors handles, warped marker pens, and irregular fabric stitch patterns, leading to widespread mockery and frustration.
Ecuador kit supplier Marathon Sports has come under fire after fans quickly spotted that the official promotional imagery for their latest limited-edition national team jersey was generated using artificial intelligence.
Marathon Criticized for Using AI Launch Images for Special Ecuador Kit
The Ecuadorian brand recently unveiled a bespoke yellow collector's jersey designed for La Tri's international friendly against Japan during their autumn tour of Asia.
Rather than staging a genuine studio photoshoot with the physical shirt, the launch campaign featured stylized tabletop flat-lay pictures surrounded by traditional sketches, shears, thread spools, and drafting instruments. However, it did not take long for eagle-eyed collectors to uncover blatant AI-generated flaws.
The most glaring giveaway sits directly next to the shirt, where a plastic drafting ruler features completely nonsensical numerical markings reading out chaotic sequences like 10, 19, 13, 13, 12, 19, 20 instead of proper measurement units.
Other hallmarks of generative software, including melting scissors handles, warped marker pens, and irregular fabric stitch patterns, are scattered across the imagery, prompting intense mockery and frustration among supporters.
What do you think of brands using AI imagery to launch official kits? Let us know in the comments below.
Brusque 2026 Pink October Kit Released
Brazilian club Brusque FC and kit manufacturer Junpe have officially unveiled a special commemorative jersey for Outubro Rosa (Pink October). Designed to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and encourage women's health checkups, the release continues the club's tradition of dedicated awareness kits for the month of October.
The shirt combines two tones of pink, featuring an eye-catching chevron graphic across the chest over an intricate sublimated fabric texture. Bold black detailing provides strong contrast on the thick ribbed V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, as well as on all sponsor prints and the Junpe manufacturer logo. The club's traditional yellow, green, and red crest sits in full color on the left breast, topped by three stars.
A bespoke circular seal appears on the lower front with the campaign motto "Jogue pela vida! Cuide de você - Um toque pode virar o jogo" (Play for life! Take care of yourself - One touch can turn the game around), drawing a direct parallel between the sport and the importance of self-examination. The limited-edition jersey is sold through the club's official retail space next to the Augusto Bauer stadium.
Stunning Kashima Antlers 26-27 35th Anniversary Kit Released
Kashima Antlers and Nike have officially released a special 35th anniversary kit to celebrate the founding of the iconic J1 League side on October 1, 1991. The release also pays homage to Brazilian football legend Zico, whose spirit and influence remain foundational to the identity and DNA of the Ibaraki-based club.
The Nike Kashima Antlers 26-27 35th anniversary shirt boasts an elegant two-tone dark navy half-and-half design inspired by the night scenery of Kashima Bay. Breaking away from the club's standard colors, the kit applies full gold detailing throughout, highlighted by the club's first-ever matte gold crest featuring a commemorative 1991/2026 engraving. All sponsor marks, the Nike Swoosh, and the sleeve badge are finished in matching metallic gold.
Navy shorts and socks with gold accents round off the sophisticated look. Fans can customize the kit with gold printing in either Nike's current 26-27 squad font or a recreated version of the club's original 1990s founding-era typography, with Zico's legendary number 10 among the selections. Kashima Antlers are scheduled to wear the special uniform on December 19, 2026, against Tokyo Verdy at MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium).
Official Pictures: Adidas Predator Precision Beckham 2026-27 Remake Boots Leaked
To be launched on October 6, 2026.
Ballard FC & Salmon Bay FC Release 2026 Community Kit
Seattle sister clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC have officially released their special 2026 Community Top, created in collaboration with Lenovo and illustrator Sophia Yeshi as part of the "Your Club Your Canvas" campaign. Developed in partnership with Becky G to highlight grassroots football culture and the vital role of local supporters, the limited-edition shirt features a deep red base covered in an intricate all-over graphic inspired by field notes that celebrate neighborhood landmarks, club history, and key community figures. The jersey is finished with a retro-styled striped V-neck collar, matching sleeve cuffs, and a centralized lenticular crest, with all sales proceeds directly supporting the clubs.
