Everyone knows that the success of a football team is not just down to their stars or how they play on the pitch – kits play an important part of the success.
There is no point winning if you aren’t doing it in style. Here are some of the most iconic Socceroos and Matildas kits from over the years.
Now to preface this list, it is in no way a ranking of the most aesthetically pleasing football kits that we’ve had. To be honest Australia haven’t had too many of those. Instead, I will go through the most iconic kits that are tied to the most exciting moments of our national team’s history.
5. Spew shirt 1990
Let’s start it off with a divisive one. Nicknamed the “spew shirt”, the Socceroos somehow donned this monstrosity from 1990 to 1993. It was that much of an eye sore that opposing players would refuse to swap shirts with the Socceroos players at full-time.
They might be regretting that these days as the kit has turned into somewhat of a collector’s item, hunted around the world by football kit nerds due to its standout nature.
4. World Cup 1974
Next on the list comes the 1974 Socceroos kit which was worn by the boys in gold as they embarked on the first World Cup campaign. A tidy little number, not much is wrong with this one. Who doesn’t love a Socceroos kit with white socks?
The shorts are a bit how-ya-going. It does look we borrowed them from the rugby league team at the time. That’s the only thing that brings this one down the list.
3. England who? 2003
This one is a hidden gem. Worn during a 2003 friendly against the mighty England in which the Socceroos triumphed 3-1. England had some decent players in the line-up too, quite an achievement for the team. Wayen Rooney, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand. You might’ve heard of a few of them.
This signalled the start of the golden generation of Socceroos who would go on to over-achieve at the 2006 World Cup. The baggy sleeves. The lettering style. It just works.
2. Matildas 2019
Now to the Matildas. This kit was the first specifically designed for the women’s team, and didn’t Nike give it a good crack. Initially it was previewed with green shorts, however once they took the field it was eventually paired with the gold shorts that made it all click.
It does somewhat resemble a takeaway milkshake cup from your local corner store. But paired with the matching socks, it just looks good. This was worn in the Matildas’ Women’s World Cup appearance in 2019, where it didn’t help the Tillies get past Norway in the round of 16. Nevertheless, it remains high on the list.
1. Socceroos 2005
Who could look past this choice as number one. Probably one of Australia’s biggest sporting moments ever, this one still gives goosebumps on every re-watch of the famous moment. Of course, it’s the 2005 kit that saw Australia qualify for their first World Cup in 32 years.
Aloisi slotting home the decisive penalty in front of 83,000 fans. Schwarzer sharing the mantle of hero with 2 massive penalty saves. Nothing says Socceroos like this kit. The centered circle with the shirt number. Our classic green and gold. There’s not much to hate with this one.
Pair it with this hair-raising moment in Australian football and it becomes a no-brainer for the number one spot.
Feature image credit: Socceroos
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