EXPLAINED | How To Use AI To Bring Concept Kits To Life
- New AI Tool: Google has recently released a new image model called Nano Banana that makes it easier to create realistically modeled football kit concepts.
- Process: The process involves creating or finding a concept kit, choosing a setting for the image (e.g., launch image or in-action image), and generating the AI image using Nano Banana, potentially refining it with reference images or detailed descriptions.
- Refinement: The AI-generated images often require refinement using tools like Photoshop to correct details like logos and other visual flaws, and further enhancement with AI tools to improve resolution and realism.
If you are following football concept designers on social media, chances are high that you have seen quite a few realistically modelled football kit concepts recently. And while having concepts "brought to life" is nothing new, it has become much easier now, thanks to a new image model very recently released by Google, called Nano Banana.
The tool has been used by many already, and a few days ago, designer Angelo Trofa showcased how great results can be using it. We try to explain here how you can do it yourself. Massive thanks to Angelo Trofa for
Angelo Trofa probably set a new standard for kit presentations
1. Create or Find Your Concept Kit
These two concepts were created by DesignerBall (Brazil) and stevezz. (Germany), using Kit Creator. We used them in this article and brought them to life.
Start with a concept you’d like to visualize. This could be a kit you designed yourself or one from the community. Tools like Kit Creator make it easy to design unique kits with endless customization options, and see the designs of others on Showcase. You can also use Photoshop or similar software to create a concept (or just AI, but that often backfires if you want to create something good - changing anything from the first AI output is near impossible, as other parts often get worse).
For this example, we’ll be using the Jordan x Brazil concept kit by Designer Ball, the Italy Adidas Guccy kit by alessi, and ">the Germany kit by stevezz.
2. Choose the Setting
Decide what kind of image you want to create. There are two main styles we take a look at here, but options are endless.
Launch Image: A professional-style shot, like those used by clubs for official kit reveals, featuring models.
In-Action Image: A match-style scene showing the kit being worn on the pitch.
To set the tone, search for reference photos that capture the mood you’re aiming for (for example, vintage match photos, current launch images). Save one of those images to your device - it will help guide the AI when generating your final result.
3. Generate the AI Image
If Jordan had existed in the 1960s/1970s and made Brazil's kit.
Now comes the exciting part: bringing your concept to life.
We’re using Google’s new “Nano Banana” AI (available for free at aistudio.google.com), which is THE go-to tool for generating images.
There are three ways to use it:
A) Just describe the setting you want to have. This is the most obvious solution, and does the job many times
B) Use a Sample Image as Reference: Upload your saved reference photo and ask the AI to recreate the scene - but replace the kit with your own design. (Note: sometimes it might not work due to copyright restrictions and will show an error)
C) Describe the Scene: Upload the image and let the AI describe the setting in detail. Then, ask it to generate a new image in that same style. Upload your concept kit and prompt the AI to insert it naturally into the setting.
You might not get a perfect result immediately. If the AI misunderstands your prompt or introduces small errors, try refining your instructions. If it fails completely, restart the process.
The Jordan kit in Brazil's iconic yellow? Color swaps are fastly possible with the Nano Banana as well and work even easier than all the other things explained here
With some trial and error, you’ll end up with a convincing, lifelike visual of your kit in action.
4. Refine and Enhance
Even with advanced tools like Nano Banana, the results often need a final polish, especially intricate details, such as crests. AI likely creates subtle inconsistencies and sometimes just logical errors. That’s where manual editing comes in.
Use Photoshop (or any other image editor) to clean up these details - fix logos and correct other small visual flaws. It can take time, but it’s worth it for a professional-looking finish.
Finally, to enhance the resolution, reduce that telltale plastic “AI look” (human skin has natural details that the AI sees as errors), you can use another AI trained to enhance the realism of (AI) images (AIs that reduce the errors of the other AIs - what a world are we living right now 😅). Tools like Krea AI (partly free), Enhancor (fee), and Clarity AI (fee) offer upscaling and enhancing of the AI, making the final product very realstic (or almost impossible to spot that an image was AI-generated).
If you look closely, you will see a typical AI flaw, inaccuracy - the Germany kit in the background is different from the front model (Japan edit by Angelo Trofa, others with the designer's setups)
Do you like concepts being brought to life with the help of AI? Is this just a short-term trend, and could we return to flat, hand-drawn concepts shortly? Let us know in the comments below.
African Nations Arrive at 2026 World Cup in Striking Custom Outfits
African nations have made a strong sartorial statement upon their arrival at the 2026 World Cup. The squads of DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Senegal landed in North America wearing custom outfits that highlight their cultural identity and heritage through bold patterns and sharp tailoring.
DR Congo, making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, garnered significant attention for their arrival attire in Houston. The team stepped off the plane in custom black suits accented with distinctive leopard-print sashes and crystal cheetah brooches. This look, complete with luxury bags, pays homage to the nation's Les Leopards moniker and their renowned fashion culture.
Similarly, Ivory Coast and Senegal embraced their roots with their travel wear. The teams incorporated vibrant traditional patterns and intricate details, such as elephant embroidery, into their modern tailored outfits. These arrivals have turned the standard team travel gear into a celebration of African pride and culture ahead of the tournament.
DR Congo Arrive at 2026 World Cup in Custom Leopard-Themed Suits
The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team has arrived in Houston, USA, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making a striking impression with their arrival attire. Foregoing the traditional tracksuits, the squad stepped off the plane wearing custom-tailored suits heavily featuring leopard prints and animal motifs. The outfits serve as a bold representation of the team's Leopards nickname and highlight their cultural identity on football's biggest stage.
The bespoke arrival outfits incorporate various elements of African heritage, including leopard prints, cheetah brooches, and elephant embroidery. In DRC culture, the leopard is a historic symbol of strength, power, and resilience. The team's sartorial choice has drawn praise for its unique aesthetic, standing out alongside the arrival outfits of other African nations like Ivory Coast and Senegal.
DR Congo will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Portugal on June 17. While their on-pitch kits will be closely watched, their pre-tournament fashion has already set a high standard, showcasing a strong sense of national pride and individuality before a ball has even been kicked.
2026 World Cup Gold Sleeve Badge For Former Winners Revealed
Following the release of the official squad portraits for the Argentina national team, the special gold sleeve badge for the 2026 World Cup has been revealed. The exclusive gold-themed patch will be positioned on the right sleeve, visually setting past champions apart from the rest of the 48 competing teams. This new patch system introduced by FIFA highlights tournament heritage without altering federation crests, giving a clear distinction to historic winners such as Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and France.
The badge features the 2026 World Cup logo rendered in a striking metallic gold finish. For reigning champions Argentina, the new gold sleeve detail will complement the golden 2022 FIFA World Cup champions badge located on the center of their chest, adding an extra layer of prestige to their kit for the upcoming tournament.
Nike Cryoshot Tiempo Legend R10 'Ronaldinho' Shoes Leaked
Nike will launch a special signature edition of the new Cryo Shot Tiempo Legend for Ronaldinho for the 2026-27 season. Thanks to sneaker source @sneakermarketro and @vladieboi, we can share official images of the Nike Cryo Shot Tiempo Legend R10 'Ronaldinho' boots, which are scheduled to drop in the summer of 2026.
The Nike Cryo Shot Tiempo Legend R10 'Ronaldinho' features a white and metallic gold colorway, directly inspired by the 'Touch of Gold' Tiempo boots originally worn by the Brazilian player. The cleats sport a white quilted upper complemented by metallic gold accents on the Swoosh, stitching, and the classic fold-over tongues, which feature the signature R and 10 branding. This modern Cryo Shot edition blends the heritage design with a new clear-coated sole unit that encases the studs.
The Nike Cryo Shot Tiempo Legend R10 'Ronaldinho' soccer cleats will be available to purchase in Summer 2026.
Emiliano Martinez to Wear Special Adidas Predator Gloves for 2026 World Cup
Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez will sport a special edition of the Adidas Predator goalkeeper gloves during the 2026 World Cup. The new gloves have been specifically designed to match the colors of Argentina's home goalkeeper kit for the tournament.
The official Argentina national team account shared images of the goalkeepers in training, highlighting the special Adidas Predator gloves. The design perfectly complements the Argentina 2026 home goalkeeper jersey, creating a unified look for the reigning World Cup champion.
Argentina 2026 World Cup Squad Portrait Photos Released
The official squad portraits for the Argentina national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup have been released, giving us a first real look at the special gold sleeve badge. As previously reported, former World Cup-winning nations will wear an exclusive gold-themed patch on their right sleeve during the tournament, setting them apart from the rest of the competing teams.
In addition to the striking gold sleeve patch, the Adidas home kit features the golden 2022 FIFA World Cup champions badge prominently on the center of the chest.
England 2026 World Cup Match Boots Stolen in Kansas City
The England national team has suffered a major setback ahead of their 2026 World Cup campaign, as the match boots of several top players were stolen from a transport van. The incident, first reported by Craig Hope and Jack Gaughan for the Daily Mail, has left the squad's staff scrambling to secure replacements before their first training session in Kansas City on Saturday.
In addition to the players' custom footwear, the thieves also made off with nearly all of the team's training footballs, reportedly leaving just a single ball behind. The logistical nightmare means kit managers and equipment staff must now work rapidly with their respective brands to supply the squad with new boots in time for their opening matches of the tournament.
Awesome: Leeds United 26-27 Home Kit Concept Based on Leaked Bayern München Away Kit
A stylish Leeds United home kit concept has caught the attention of fans online. Created by Leeds supporter and graphic designer @ZK1919, the concept directly adapts the design of an Adidas FC Bayern away kit, transforming it into a Leeds home shirt.
The concept features the classic Adidas Trefoil logo and integrates Leeds United's front-of-shirt sponsor, Red Bull. To match the club's traditional colors, the designer swapped the original red accents for yellow and outlined the Red Bull logo in blue. The concept also sparked discussions among supporters regarding the exact shade of yellow, the choice of the club badge, and the potential constraints of Red Bull's corporate branding rules on future kits.
While purely a fan-made design and not an official leak for the 2026-27 season, it highlights the potential of an Adidas Trefoil Leeds kit. The actual Leeds United 26-27 home kit has been very unpopular ahead of its release.
