Nike

If there’s been a more symbiotic relationship between a club side and its jersey manufacturer than Club América and Nike over the last few years, I’m struggling to think of it. 

Ahead of the 2021-22 Liga MX season — which begins with the Apertura on July 22 — América and Nike are dropping one of the greatest single-season collections of jerseys ever assembled.

On Monday, Nike released the pre-match jerseys that América will wear throughout the campaign. As someone who’s never purchased a pre-match jersey before, that might have to change. 

When the Jordan Brand dropped Paris Saint-Germain’s new 2021-22 home kit back on May 14, my initial reaction was: Nice. That looks clean with the Jumpman logo. Carry on everyone.

Looking for a new ball after this hellish cold snap eventually gives way to springtime? Look no further because both Nike (2020-21 Premier League) and adidas (2021 Champions League Final) have released new balls celebrating the business end of their respective competitions.

To celebrate the final third of the 2020-21 Premier League, Nike has released its third ball of the campaign. As darkness gives way to light and frost yields to regrowth, so to is the Premier League’s yellow Hi-Viz ball giving way to the latest Nike Flight creation.

Liga MX returned this past weekend with Club América securing all three points thanks to Sebastián Córdova’s dramatic winner against Atlético San Luis. After an unkind finish to 2020 — including defeats to Chivas in the Apertura quarterfinals and LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals — América is looking to rejuvenate itself through new manager Santiago Solari.

It’s been 18 years since Nike’s legendary “Secret Tournament” advert that coincided with the brand’s approach to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Directed by Monty Python member Terry Gilliam with a budget of around $100 million, the commercial featured “referee” Eric Cantona and 24 superstars of the game (Thierry Henry, Francesco Totti, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo, Patrick Vieira, Edgar Davids, etc.) and Junkie XL’s new remix of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation”.