Palace x Nike England Kit: A Design Echo From a Viral Fake?
A new collaboration between Nike and Palace for the England national football team’s pre-match kit is drawing attention – and comparisons to a strikingly similar, unofficial design. The upcoming kit features a greyscale finish with an all-over graphic reminiscent of stained glass, depicting St. George, the patron saint of England.
The Viral Inspiration: A Faked Brazil Jersey
The design has sparked conversation because of its resemblance to a concept Brazil jersey created by independent designer CfkDesigns. This unofficial design, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue, gained massive traction online and was widely replicated by counterfeiters. Both designs utilize religious iconography within a similar aesthetic framework.
The Brazil concept jersey went viral in 2024 after CfkDesigns initially created the design and was then widely copied. The England kit’s similar use of a central religious figure within a monochromatic color scheme has led to speculation about potential inspiration.
Palace’s History with Religious Imagery in Football Kits
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Palace has incorporated religious themes into their football kit designs. The brand previously released similar designs in 2022 and 2023, suggesting a recurring design interest.
The Rise of Designer Collaborations in Football
The Nike x Palace x England collaboration exemplifies a growing trend in football: high-fashion and streetwear brands partnering with sportswear giants and national teams. This fusion caters to a broader audience, blending athletic performance with lifestyle appeal.
These collaborations aren’t just about aesthetics. They represent a significant revenue stream for all parties involved. Limited-edition kits and apparel often sell out quickly, creating hype and driving demand. The Palace partnership with Nike, which began with Total 90 and Air Max Dn8 capsules in 2025, demonstrates a commitment to this strategy.
The Impact of “Fake” Culture on Official Designs
The influence of unofficial designs, like the faked Brazil jersey, on official kit releases is a fascinating phenomenon. While it’s unlikely Nike or Palace intentionally “copied” the design, the widespread popularity of the fake jersey undoubtedly permeated the cultural landscape and may have subconsciously influenced the creative process.
This raises questions about originality and inspiration in design. The lines between homage, imitation, and outright copying are becoming increasingly blurred in the age of social media and rapid trend cycles.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Football Kit Design?
Several trends are shaping the future of football kit design:
- Increased Collaboration: Expect more partnerships between sportswear brands and high-fashion labels, streetwear brands, and even artists.
- Sustainability: Demand for eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices will continue to grow.
- Personalization: Fans will increasingly seek opportunities to customize their kits with unique names, numbers, and designs.
- Nostalgia: Retro designs and throwback kits will remain popular, tapping into fans’ emotional connection to the past.
- Digital Integration: Kits may incorporate digital elements, such as QR codes linking to exclusive content or augmented reality experiences.
FAQ
Will the Nike x Palace England kit be available globally?
Release details haven’t been fully confirmed, but it’s expected to be available through Nike.com and select retailers.
Who designed the original Brazil jersey with the Christ the Redeemer statue?
The design was created by independent designer CfkDesigns as a concept in 2024.
Is the England kit a direct copy of the Brazil concept?
It’s difficult to say definitively. The designs share aesthetic similarities, but Palace has previously explored religious imagery in their football kits.
When will the Nike x Palace England kit be released?
The kit is expected to be released in Summer 2026.
Do you think Nike x Palace copied the Brazil kit? Let us know in the comments below.
