Aussies are fuming they can’t buy jersey with Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s name
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Matildas fans have called for Nike to start producing the No. 18 jersey worn by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The 29-year-old was hailed a national hero after she guarded Australia's goal during the 10-round penalty shootout on Saturday night’s nail-biting match against France.
After the match, fans rushed to buy the goalkeeper's kit but soon discovered Nike doesn't actually make them.
They also don't make the shirts worn by the other two Matildas squad goalkeepers, Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams.
On X, aka the social media platform formally known as Twitter, fans pleaded with Nike to start making the kits.
"PLEASE LET ME BUY A MACKENZIE ARNOLD KEEPER KIT," one person asked the company.
Another added: "The amount of Mackenzie Arnold jerseys that’ll sell tomorrow… Oh wait."
A third said: “Sell me a Mackenzie Arnold jersey you cowards @nikefootball!”
A fourth quipped: “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."
I want to wear the Mackenzie Arnold black keeper jersey every damn day. Full beast mode last night, changed my flight to see her on the 16th @FIFAWWC @Nike @MaccaArnold1
— Sam Rosenbaum (@sammskiii) August 13, 2023
Royal commission into why I can’t buy Mackenzie Arnold’s jersey
— Oattus (@PattusM) August 12, 2023
i second this. i want a Mackenzie Arnold jersey. https://t.co/APaJpkwIco
— Nic Bea ☘️🐝 (@atwanderlast) August 14, 2023
Oi @Nike let us buy Mackenzie Arnold jerseys, you'll sell out in 5 mins
— Callum (@CallumAitken14) August 12, 2023
Arnold addressed the decision by Nike during a press conference on Tuesday.
"It would be really cool to see kids – or anyone, really – with the goalkeeper jersey on," she said.
"Especially seeing how well goalkeepers have done throughout this whole tournament.
She continued: "In terms of why they don't sell them, I'm not too sure. I haven't looked too much into it, to be honest – I've been more focused on the World Cup."
An online petition calling for Nike to start producing the women's goalkeeper jerseys has already amassed 40,000 signatures and the company has released a statement in response.
"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," a spokesperson 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."
Football Australia has also addressed the issue.
"We recognise the importance of voicing opinions in support of our female athletes, and we are listening," they said.
"The fact we are even having these conversations is testament to the progress in this game and for this team."
The Matildas take on England in the semi-finals tonight (August 16).
