The recent unveiling of Sporting CP's 2026-27 away kit by Nike has sparked an intriguing debate among football enthusiasts and kit collectors alike. The kit, a revival of Nike's Total 90 (T90) design, bears a striking resemblance to a concept created by independent designer Gollo a year ago. This near-exact match has led to a fascinating discussion: is it a coincidence or an act of inspiration?
The T90 template, initially introduced for elite clubs' third kits in the 2025-26 season, found a new purpose as Sporting CP's primary away strip for the 2026-27 campaign. Gollo's concept, unveiled in August 2025, showcased four speculative designs for Sporting CP, one of which featured a rich gold and black colorway that remarkably aligns with the official kit released by Nike and Sporting.
The similarities are striking: the base color, trim placement, collar design, and contrast lines are nearly identical. The only discernible difference lies in the badge, where the official release features Sporting's modern crest, while Gollo's concept used the traditional crest. This subtle variation aside, the kits are almost mirror images of each other.
Gollo's reaction to the official kit reveal was one of surprise, as he simply posted his original concept with a '👀' emoji, drawing attention to the uncanny resemblance. The timing of this coincidence is intriguing, as Nike likely finalized the color scheme well before Gollo's concept was published, given the typical 12-18 month production cycle for official kits.
This raises an interesting question: did Nike take inspiration from Gollo's concept, or is it merely a remarkable coincidence? The accuracy of concept designers in anticipating brand directions is evident here, and it's a testament to the creativity and foresight within the football kit design community.
As the debate continues, it's essential to consider the potential impact of such coincidences on the industry. Could this be a case of Nike drawing inspiration from fan-made concepts, or is it a calculated move to tap into existing design ideas? The line between inspiration and imitation is often blurred, and this scenario highlights the fine balance between creativity and originality in the world of sportswear.
In my opinion, this incident underscores the importance of recognizing and crediting the efforts of independent designers and concept artists. It also serves as a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of sports merchandise, attention to detail and a deep understanding of the target audience can lead to remarkable outcomes. The question remains: will Nike acknowledge Gollo's contribution, or will this remain a fascinating yet anonymous act of inspiration?
