Over the past three decades, Nike has delivered some of the most unforgettable football shirts in the game — kits that became as legendary as the players who wore them. From dazzling international designs to bold club classics, each jersey tells its own story. Here’s my all-time XI made up of players who donned my favourite Nike shirts from the past 30 years — a team that oozes both flair and fashion.
🧤 GK: Cláudio Taffarel – Brazil, 1998
A steady presence between the sticks, Taffarel rocked a bold green and yellow Nike goalkeeper kit at the 1998 World Cup. It was unmistakably 90s, with sharp lines and vibrant contrasts — an iconic kit for Brazil’s most reliable No.1.
🛡️ RB: Cafu – Brazil, 2002
The captain of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning side, Cafu wore one of Nike’s cleanest and most elegant designs. The iconic yellow shirt with green trim remains timeless — just like his endless engine up and down the right flank.
🛡️ CB: Tony Adams – Arsenal Away, 1995/96
This bold navy and turquoise lightning-bolt shirt divided opinion — but for those who love 90s flair, it’s unforgettable. With "JVC" on the front and Adams marshalling the back, this is one of Nike’s most daring designs.
🛡️ CB: Matthias Sammer – Borussia Dortmund, 1994/95
That highlighter-yellow Dortmund kit, complete with bold black Nike trim, was electric — much like Sammer’s style of play. A Ballon d'Or winner and sweeper extraordinaire, he wore it with power and presence.
🛡️ LB: Celestine Babayaro – Nigeria, 1996
From the pattern collar trim to the bold green shirt, Nigeria’s 1996 Olympics kit is one of the most striking Nike designs ever made. Babayaro helped light up the tournament — and the shirt remains an all-time fan favourite.
⚙️ CM: Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria, 2018
A shirt that captured global attention, Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup kit blended bold patterns with deep cultural pride. Wilfred Ndidi anchored the midfield in style, showcasing his trademark energy and tenacity.
🎨 CM: Juan Román Riquelme – Boca Juniors, 1999/2000
The Boca Nike kit with that deep navy body and horizontal yellow band is instantly recognisable. Riquelme made it legendary with his graceful playmaking — a shirt and player that defined a generation in Argentina.
🎩 LM: Raí – PSG, 1993/94
Before PSG became a global brand, they wore one of Nike’s cleanest designs — the navy-red-white vertical stripe look. Raí brought elegance to Paris midfield, and this shirt remains a cult classic.
🎩 RM: Ronaldinho – Barcelona Home, 2005/06
This was peak Dinho in peak Nike. That season, Barcelona returned to vertical stripes and Ronaldinho dazzled in every match. A Champions League winner that year, this shirt became part of football folklore.
⚽ ST: Ronaldo Nazário – PSV, 1995/96
Before the world knew his name, R9 was tearing up the Eredivisie in a simple red-and-white Nike PSV kit. The clean design let the football do the talking — and Ronaldo spoke fluently in goals.
💥 ST: Adriano – Inter Milan Third, 2005/06
All-navy with blue stripes, a nod back to the 97/98 third kit — this third kit was pure menace. Adriano, with his thunderous left foot and raw power, made the shirt as fearsome as it looked.
🔁 Your Turn
What Nike classics would make your ultimate XI of football shirts? Drop your favourites in the comments.