Monday, January 24, 2011

Allez les Bleus!


After years of wearing adidas uniforms, France is now sporting brand new kits from Nike. Definitely more minimal in design than the adidas kits (no accent stripes/colors) the home jersey is solid blue with white France badge and white Nike logo. A black collar gives just a bit of color contrast. The blue seems to be a slightly different shade than the royal of years past; maybe it has a bit more grey(?). In addition, the hems of the sleeves can be turned up to reveal a red band. 

On the construction of the jersey Nike describes it so: "High tech fabric made from 96% recycled polyester and 4% organic cotton for rapid moisture absorption and high performance evaporation. The use of cotton on the inside of the fabric provides another level of comfort for the players. Set-in sleeve, collar and neckline combine ease of movement with athletic fit. Shoulder seams bonded with ‘soft touch’ tape deliver maximum strength with chaff reduction." 

The new home shorts are white with what Nike calls a "long, slim ergonomic fit." They have a narrow blue side stripe and blue logos. Red socks with a wide, blue top band complete the kits. 

Overall I wouldn't call this the most exciting kit in international soccer but if you like a nice clean and modern look then you're sure to appreciate it. No matter what you think of the design, it would certainly be a comfortable jersey to play in (or wear when supporting your team!).

To promote the launch, Nike has created an interesting ad campaign featuring three French players who play professionally in England: Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Gael Kakuta and Arsenal's Abou Diaby. The players appear to be glass or see-through with blue paint running down their arms and legs. Kind of strange but certainly attention-getting.

Malouda and Diaby are definitely established stars (both played in the World Cup last year) but Kakuta seems an interesting choice for these ads since he has yet to play for the senior France team. He has been very successful at the youth level, however, and at only 19 years old, I guess they see great things ahead for him. Kakuta was loaned to Fulham on January 20 so maybe more playing time there will accelerate his development.

You can check out the new France uniform and other gear, as well as photos from the ad campaign at soccer.com.

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