The World Cup is now just days away.
Every four years, we’re inspired by those who grace the pitch. Millions of people will be watching the tournament across the globe, as well as what the players are wearing. Here, we guide you through the best kits of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Whilst some of the smaller nations might not be expecting to take home the iconic gold trophy come 15 July, they’re in with a chance of winning the fashion stakes.
There are some stunning efforts from the big brands this year. Ultimately, however, it comes down a straight head-to-head: adidas vs Nike. Who comes out on top this year? Scroll down to find out, and let us know if you agree.
5. Belgium Home Kit – adidas
This one is ‘out there’. We’re big fans of what adidas have done the Belgians, who possess one of the best squads on paper this year. Premier League stars Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are sure to excite at Russia, and kit geeks will be impressed by their home shirt.
If it looks like something out of the 80’s to you, it is because it kind of is. The European side might have exited Euro ’84 at the group stage, but the iconic jersey from that competition has not escaped the memory of adidas. With a design that might resemble a tea towel to some, we’re fans of this one. Needless to say, though, we won’t be cheering the side on come Matchday Three…
4. France Away Kit – Nike
If 2018 is the year of the retro design, then France are the exception. Their white Nike away shirt is ultra-modern, ultra-cool. Designers have been let loose on this one, and their contemporary final product is quite something.
There is a distinct yet subtle graphic design across the front and back of this instant classic. It complements the national flag which stands out on the back collar, and the Gallic rooster of the French Footballing Federation on the front. It doesn’t quite make the podium for us, but there is no harm in fourth place.
3. Croatia Home Kit – Nike
There’s something about the traditional checkers of Croatia’s home kit. The European side are synonymous with a style that they have made their own (sorry, Wycombe Wanderers) and their 2018 version is a hit. Based on the coat of arms that adorns their flag, Nike have gone for larger squares this year.
Rough edges give the strip a patchwork quilt effect. American manufacturers Nike have also given it another twist. The numbers that adorn the front of the red-and-white kits are displaced to the middle-right of the chest. “Outrageous!”, I hear you cry. “They belong in the centre!”. Well it looks smart, and that is all that counts.
2. Germany Away Kit – adidas
Our old foes Germany – who last knocked out England in 2010 – are back in a similar top that they wore in the semi-final of Euro 1990. Hopefully, there will be no more tears from English players should there be a repeat of that fixture in the knockouts…
Coming in at second place, the reigning world champions will be hoping to go one better once more in the real thing. Their away kit for Russia is a patterned emerald green number. It features the traditional three stripes of the designers across the shoulders.
In between the iconic logos of both brand and nation is the badge of honour, reminding everyone of their victory over Argentina four years ago. And that 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the semi-finals, of course. Who could forget that one, though?
Good work, adidas.
1. Nigeria Home Kit – Nike
Alex Iwobi might have his critics, but the poster boy of the Nigerian team cannot be attacked for what he is wearing this summer.
In the battle of the brands, it is Nike who has come out on top. The manufacturer stated that they wanted to ‘tap into the attitude of the nation’, and they’ve certainly done that. With yet another old-school vibe, this one is inspired by the stone-cold classic of 1994. Nigeria made their first WC appearance that summer in the US, with Jay-Jay Okocha shooting to prominence. What a player.
The home shirt of the unfancied Africans – who finished runners-up in the 2018 African Nations Championship – also gives a nod to the nation’s greatest footballing success. The Super Eagles came out on top in 1996 Olympics, and the recoloured badge is said to be an ode to that victory.
In the launch video, ex-Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel stated that he could ‘see the players going crazy over this one’. Well Jon, it’s not just the players. Nigeria have taken top spot in Kitlocker.com’s Best Kits of the 2018 World Cup. It might not be as good as coming out on top come July, but it’s something.
Do you agree with our top World Cup kit?
We’ve chosen Nigeria’s home kit as the standout effort ahead of the 2018 World Cup, but do you agree? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
We think that the first-ever Russian World Cup will be a memorable one. Plenty of exciting, attacking players are set to entertain us all, and hopefully you and your team will be inspired by the awesome kits on show this summer, too.
Photo credit: Nike and adidas