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This time around, Nike's alternative apparel templates were immersed in the rich history, tradition and cultural values of its esteemed clients.
Aerial maps of geographical locations affiliated with FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, AS Roma, Inter and Tottenham were ingeniously incorporated in this year's third kit designs.
Here's how Nike's 2018/19 alternative kits rank, in my opinion at least.
#6 Atletico Madrid
“This season our designers have been taking inspiration from the urban environment, which provides the backdrop to clubs and their fanbases,” says Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “With Atlético, the symbolic value of the fountain gave us the creative spark for the colour palette and the dynamic combination of blue and orange."
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The metaphorical focal point of Atlético’s 2018/19 third kit is the glorious Fountain of Neptune -located at the centre of Madrid Plaza- around which Los Rojiblancos supporters gather to celebrate historical triumphs.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur
Complemented by silver-metallic brandings and logos, the upper half of Tottenham's 2018-19 third kit -Neptune with a touch of lighter green- features an aerial depiction of the Haringey territory, North London; a geographical location Tottenham Hotspur supporters call their own.
The unusual Neptune green design is believed to have been inspired by “a combination of modern sport, territorial pride and Spurs’ heritage”. Mauricio Pochettino's men launched the apparel in their season opener vs Newcastle at St. James Park.
#4 FC Barcelona
Weird? Depends on one's definition of the word. Bold and beautiful? It's hard to disagree.
Light crimson with claret applications and cutting an angular swathe from the left shoulder to right hem, Barcelona's 2018-19 kit features a graphic print inspired by the Avinguda Diagonal, one of the Catalan city’s most famous streets.
#3 Inter Milan
After a six-year absence from Europe's elite competition, and an unprecedented fall from grace, there's a new swagger about Il Nerazzurri and Luciano Spalletti is the proud tactician leading the pack, but their third kit is varying degrees of dope.
Predominantly light grey with dark blue and silver logos, Inter's 2018-19 third kit was Inspired by the club's heritage and tradition; the principal feature is a large centralized cross, complemented by a distorted map of Milan's city centre, as well as the surrounding area of Duomo Cathedral -the seat of the archbishop of Milan.
The template is Nike's latest, the Vapor Aeroswift.
#2 AS Roma
“For 2018-19, our third kits have been exploring the cities these clubs represent, and in the case of Rome, what really makes it special is this long and colourful history, full of myth and legend,” explains Pete Hoppins, Nike Football Apparel Senior Design Director. “We really wanted to delve into that and do it justice with this design.”
The rich history of the eternal city of Rome is beautifully expressed in AS Roma's 2018/19 third kit; a series of aerial map views of key moments in Roman history, from ancient times, to present, to form a distinctive pattern for the fiery gold jersey.
Discreetly embedded within, is the she-wolf described in the founding myth of Rome, which was proudly adopted as a powerful club symbol for the Giallorossi.
#1 Chelsea FC
New era, new manager, exciting brand of football, and a dope third kit to keep the Chelsea faithful cheering.
Chelsea's 2018/19 third jersey, ocean bliss in colour, carries a unique graphic design showcasing an aerial map of the Chelsea district in West London. The upper half is also reflective of the Club's badge and Nike's logo, both immersed in metallic silver.
