Football Is More Fashionable Than Ever, Both IRL & In The Virtual World
Football and fashion have never been more intertwined, but a new partnership between Nike and EA SPORTS FC (the video game previously called FIFA) takes things up a notch.
At a time when football teams have fully embraced the fashion industry — a huge number of the kit launches from this season looked more like fashion shoots than sportswear releases — the biggest football video game franchise is joining the fun. Football is even becoming fashionable in the virtual world.
Designed by the most dedicated EA SPORTS FC fans, known as “Founders,” the duo has created a limited-edition shirt available both in-game and in the physical form.
With retro-inspired styling, harking back to the ‘90s golden era of football shirts, this top is a blend of nostalgia with modern fandom. And the partnership extends beyond this single piece, with exclusive in-game Nike kits available for EA SPORTS FC 25 Founders and Club members, solidifying this collaboration as one that exists in both the digital world and IRL. Kinda like when Neo was choosing his outfits in The Matrix.
Nike and EA SPORTS FC’s collaboration is just one example of how video game merch has progressed beyond basic logo tees and hoodies. Gaming merch is getting increasingly stylish.
Sony has quietly been creeping further into the streetwear scene, collaborating with pioneering streetwear labels and even dropping its own retro football-inspired collection. Meanwhile, the eSports giant 100 Thieves and adidas recently launched a (literally) fire collaboration. (Not forgetting the PLACES+FACES x Xbox collaboration from a few years ago.)
Pre-orders for the Nike and EA SPORTS FC shirt open November 13 on Nike’s SWOOSH platform, where members can link their Nike and EA accounts to gain early access. Gaming merch has officially entered the fashion chat.
