Sunderland Was Europe's First Nike Team - Here Are The First-Ever Nike Football Kits
Feb 7, 2019, by Chris
Football shirt geeks Classic Football Shits have go their hands on what is one of the most historic Nike football kits - their first-ever jersey of an European team: Sunderland AFC.
Nike was founded 55 years ago, in 1965. The company started producing football products in 1971, when they released their first-ever football boot, 'The Nike'. The reason for Nike to sponsor Sunderland is pretty simple - Nike's UK operation (Nike (UK) Ltd) has been based in Sunderland since 1982 when it first started up in the UK, acting as an agent for the sale of the global brand’s footwear, clothing and accessories on behalf of the Nike group of companies.
First-Ever Nike Kit In Europe - Sunderland 1983-86 Home Jersey
The first-ever Nike kit for an European team was released in 1983 and used until 1986. It features a classic Sunderland design with red and white vertical stripes. The most curious thing is that the old Nike logo was on the left side and the club shield on the right.
Nike dressed Sunderland for three years.In 1986, the Belgian firm Patrick replaced Nike in the Sunderland jerseys. Three years later, Nike would sign Paris Saint-Germain, their longest European club partnership in the history of the company in terms of football.
The first team worldwide to wear a Nike uniform was the Portland Timbers of the NASL, the former US soccer league. Portland is the hometown of Nike.
1978 Portland Timbers jersey
Do you like the Sunderland 1983-1986 kit by Nike? Let us know in the comments below.
Footy Headlines Is Back on Instagram
Footy Headlines has officially returned to Instagram with a brand new account, @footyheadlinesoff. The comeback brings the site's football kit leaks, boot news, and gear coverage back to the platform.
You can follow the new official account on Instagram now via @footyheadlinesoff to keep track of all upcoming kit leaks and shirt releases.
Alianza Lima 2026 Third Kit Released - Traditional Purple 'Blanquimorada'
Peruvian giants Club Alianza Lima and Nike have officially unveiled the club's new 2026 third jersey. Continuing a revered tradition spanning over 55 years, the kit embraces the traditional purple palette in honor of the Señor de los Milagros (Lord of Miracles), which the team will wear during the upcoming October festivities.
The Nike Alianza Lima 2026 third shirt features a deep purple base paired with lighter lilac accents on the round collar, shoulder panels, and sleeve cuffs. Bright gold detailing highlights both the Nike Swoosh and the club crest, complemented by subtle pink accents along the side panels and an inner collar inscription celebrating the club's identity.
The new purple kit will make its official on-pitch debut on October 11, 2026, when Alianza Lima travel to face Cusco FC in Liga 1 action. It is already available for purchase via Nike Peru and Marathon Sports in men's, women's, and children's versions.
