Fans’ anger over why you can’t buy Mackenzie Arnold’s Matildas kit

Furious supporters are calling out Nike for its “hurtful” snub of Matildas star Mackenzie Arnold after she became a national hero.

You won’t find her No. 18 shirt in any stores. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Soccer fans have issued a furious plea to Nike to produce the No. 18 jersey warn by Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

The 29-year-old guarded Australia's goal during a 10-round penalty shootout in Saturday night’s heart-pounding World Cup match against France

Fans have called on Nike to produce Mackenzie Arnold’s goalie kit after Saturday night’s game. Picture: Chris Hyde / FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

However, despite Arnold’s heroic efforts, Nike don’t produce the black or purple goalkeeper’s kit she wore or the shirts worn by the other two Matildas squad goalkeepers, Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams.

On X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, fans vented their annoyance.

“The amount of Mackenzie Arnold jerseys that’ll sell tomorrow … Oh wait,” one Twitter user wrote.

“Sell me a Mackenzie Arnold jersey you cowards @nikefootball!” shared another user.

“so @Nike when do we get goalie jerseys bc I just know Mackenzie Arnold’s black kit would fly off the shelves after that match,” wrote a third.

You won’t find her No. 18 shirt in any stores. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

@nikefootball PLEASE LET ME BUY A MACKENZIE ARNOLD KEEPER KIT

— bec (@rebeccaclark) August 12, 2023

Oi @Nike let us buy Mackenzie Arnold jerseys, you'll sell out in 5 mins

— Callum (@CallumAitken14) August 12, 2023

The amount of Mackenzie Arnold jerseys that’ll sell tomorrow…

Oh wait

— Steve Greenwood (@1CoachSteve) August 12, 2023

While Nike sells the goalkeeper shirt for international men’s teams like Barcelona and Chelsea, merchandise for the Matildas is limited to the team’s yellow and gold home stadium shirts and teal colourway for away games.

A spokesperson for Nike said the brand will consider creating retail goalkeeper kits for future tournaments.

“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of goalkeeper jerseys and this is something we will certainly take into consideration for future tournaments, in partnership with FIFA and the federations,” they said.

“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”

“We’re excited by the passion and excitement around this year’s tournament, and we are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.”

Fans from other soccer teams have also revolted against Nike and Adidas for not producing goalkeeper shirts.

One petition on Change.org has received more than 38,800 signatures in under a month, with fans calling on Nike to produce the kit for Manchester United goalie and England vice-captain, Mary Earps.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been critical of Nike not producing goalkeeper kits. Picture: Lars Baron/ Getty Images

Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the World Cup, Earps said the decision was “hugely disappointing and very hurtful”.

The 30-year-old said she was not told her kit wouldn’t be available prior to the World Cup and previously offered to pay for the shirts herself.

“Unfortunately, it has become very evident that is not possible and there is not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there,” she said.

“On a personal level, it is hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially. There has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation.”