Closer Look | Nike China 2018 Home + Insane Away Kit Released

Update: Football shirt nerds Classic Football Shirt shared two images of the Nike China 2018 away kit, giving us a perfect look at the incredible dragon design. The China away shirt is unlikely to ever be worn as the Chinese FA rejected it at the last minute

Confirming previous leaks, the new China 2018 Nike away kit has been finally launched. It is available in limited quantities on Nike.com (US only).

Previously, it has been reported that some controversy was caused by the design and that the Chinese FA rejected it last minute. The away kit has been not worn in any official match yet and was also not especially presented by the Chinese FA.

“It’s a parrallel honor for every Chinese player to play for our country wearing this shirt.” Says Wu Lei, the frontman of China’s Men’s National Team.“The iconic colors and cultural design remind us of our mission to defend the pride of Chinese football.”

“China has a vibrant football culture; we wanted the kit to reflect that and leveraged our pinnacle apparel innovation to do so,” says Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “Building off the dragon’s presence within the crest, we utilized Nike’s Vaporknit sleeves to create an abstract nod to a dragon breathing fire.”

Nike China 2018 Home Kit

This picture shows the Nike China 2018 home shirt.

The Nike China 2018 home soccer jersey introduces a modern look in red with 'Volt' sleeves and logos in the same color placed on the chest.

Red shorts, in the same style as the shirt, and white socks with red trim, complete the Nike China 2018 football kit.

Nike China 2018 Away Kit

This picture shows the black Nike China 2018 Away soccer jersey.

A bold and modern, look, the new Nike China away football kit is black with a bold dragon all-over print appearing on the front of the shirt. The sleeves of the Nike China 2018 shirt are solid apart from a subtle zig-zag pattern.

Complementing the dark base of the Nike China 2018 away jersey are volt accents in the form of the Swoosh on the right chest, a monochromatic federation crest on the other side and a dragon graphic on the inside neck.

Shorts and socks in the same color as the shirt are set to complete the new China 2018 away kit.

What do you think? Let's hear your thoughts on Nike's latest China football kits in the comments down below.