On Pitch: Nike China 2019 Women's World Cup Away Kit
Apr 4, 2019, by Pat
Unveiled last month, the Chinese women's national team debuted the brand-new 2019 World Cup away kit in a friendly against Russia today.
Inspired by the team's 'steel rose' nick name, the kit combines a light grey shirt with orange shorts and socks.
In case you wondered, the kit worn by Russia is the one Adidas designed ahead of the 2017 Euros. The brand hasn't created a new one for the team this year.
What do you think of the on-pitch look of the China 2019 Women's World Cup away kit? Comment below.
Nike Honors Ronaldo with "His Legend Lives On" Campaign
Having concluded his quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy with Portugal, this also marks the final time we will see Cristiano Ronaldo grace football’s biggest stage. Ronaldo himself confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be the last of his illustrious career.
His runs on the World Cup stage may have come to an end, but his legacy will endure forever. To honor that legacy, Nike Football shared an image carrying the message "His Legend Lives On", paying tribute to CR7's everlasting impact on the game.
Désiré Doué Wears Both Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 and Superfly 11 Boots
French rising star Désiré Doué, has been frequently switching between the Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 and Superfly 11 boots over the past few weeks. Doué opted for the low-cut Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final, but then surprised fans by starting the 2026 World Cup wearing the high-cut Superfly 11.
However, his stint with the Superfly 11 was short-lived, as Doué recently switched back to the Mercurial Vapor 17 for France's latest matches at the tournament. This indecision between the collared and non-collared versions of Nike's speed boot is notable for a player who is heavily featured in the brand's promotional campaigns. Doué has also been spotted wearing reissue Mercurial Vapor Superfly 1 boots recently, showcasing his affinity for the Mercurial heritage.
J.League x Pokémon: 60 Clubs, 60 Pokémon
The J.League has announced one of its most creative collaboration yet, teaming up with Pokémon for the 'Pokémon J.League Fest 'EVOLUTION!'' campaign ahead of the 2026-27 season.
All 60 clubs across J1, J2 and J3 have been paired with their own Pokémon, with the campaign following each Pokémon's evolution throughout the season across official artwork, graphics and promotional content.
The collaboration also celebrates 30 years of Pokémon (1996-2026) while building excitement for the new J.League campaign, which kicks off on 7 August.
Fans attending matches will receive one of one million exclusive EVO BAGs, each featuring Pikachu alongside the home club's partner Pokémon.
This isn't the first crossover between the two either. Back in 2014, the J.League and Pokémon launched the Family Join Days campaign, where young supporters received exclusive Pikachu trading cards at stadiums.
If your favorite club could be paired with any Pokémon, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
Hoffenheim Call Out Twitter Accounts Promoting Fake Kits
German club TSG Hoffenheim has taken a humorous approach to address a growing trend on social media involving the promotion of counterfeit football shirts. The club's official account posted a sarcastic message mimicking the exact language used by accounts that advertise fake kits. The post claimed to have found a really cool site for authentic shirts of top quality and insisted the endorsement was entirely voluntary, before directing users to a link in the replies.
Instead of linking to a counterfeit retailer, Hoffenheim's reply simply provided the URL to their official club shop. The joke directly targets a widespread practice on social media where various football-focused accounts promote unauthorized replica stores. In exchange for posting these scripted advertisements, the account owners typically receive a small number of free fake kits, valued at around 35 Euros, rather than monetary compensation.