Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold signs sponsorship deal with Nike

There are hopes the new deal will mean fans can finally buy her iconic jersey. She’s not the only Matilda capitalising on their recent World Cup success.

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold took to Instagram last night to announce she had signed a sponsorship deal with Nike.

“A dream come true to have joined the Nike family. Looking forward to the next part of the journey,” Arnold wrote.

The announcement was met with delight from fans, many of whom asked whether it meant that Nike would now be selling Arnold’s playing strip.

“So does this mean all us Aussie supporters will finally get to buy an Arnold Matilda’s jersey finally???” one fan wrote.

Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has signed a sponsorship deal with Nike. Picture: Instagram

During the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, Aussie fans were outraged they couldn’t buy the popular goalkeeper’s signature black jersey.

Fans were unable to buy jerseys of some of the biggest goalkeepers in the tournament before a backflip from Nike saw the release of goalkeepers’ kit from the Netherlands, USA, England and France during the tournament.

Arnold’s was a notable omission.

Speaking after her penalty shootout heroics against France in the quarter-final Arnold said: “Obviously, it would be really cool to see kids – or anyone really – with the goalkeeper jersey on, especially seeing how well goalkeepers have done throughout this whole tournament. In terms of why they don’t sell them, I’m not too sure.”

Mackenzie Arnold’s iconic black jersey is sought after by soccer fans. Picture: Chris Hyde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images.

Nike also sponsors Matildas captain Sam Kerr in a deal reportedly worth as much as $1 million.

News.com.au has contacted Nike for comment, while Arnold’s management declined to comment on the deal.

But speaking to news.com.au after the Matildas World Cup semi-final loss, former sports agent Andy Craig put the sponsorship earnings potential of Matildas players such as Arnold in the “tens or hundreds of thousands”.

Mr Craig said it was critical for the Matildas second tier stars to capitalise on their status following the World Cup success.

Arnold was also one of seven keepers to be nominated for FIFA’s best women’s goalkeeper award, which will be decided by a popular vote.

Fellow Matildas Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr were nominated for FIFA women’s player of the year, while Kerr and Hayley Raso have also been nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or which will be announced at the end of October.

Following the World Cup, Kerr finished second in the UEFA Player of the Year award, losing out to Spain’s Aitana Bonmati.

Matildas young gun Kyra Cooney Cross has joined Arsenal. Picture: Arsenal

Aussie midfielder Kyra Cooney Cross has also capitalised on her World Cup success, signing a deal to join fellow Matildas Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord at Arsenal.

The 21-year-old Queenslander was previously with Swedish club Hammarby, with her contract to expire at the end of the year.

The deal reportedly cost a transfer fee of £140,000 (A$268,000) rising to £250,000 (A$478,000) including possible bonuses.

“I’m so excited to join this club,” she said.

“Arsenal just felt right as soon as I heard about the interest.”

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Emirates Stadium in front of a big crowd for our first game there this season.”

“I can’t wait to get started and help us achieve something big together.”

Winger Hayley Raso has become the first Aussie to play for Real Madrid. Picture: The Matildas.

Winger Raso has also became the first Australian to play for Spanish giants Real Madrid. She made her debut for the team following the World Cup, after her contract with Manchester City ended in June.

The Matildas star also continues to shine with the news their next international match, an Olympic Qualifier against the Philippines, has been moved from Perth’s 22,000 seat HBF Park to the 60,000-capacity Optus Stadium in anticipation of a sellout crowd.