Uswnt 1999 World Cup Jerseys Reissued Without Briana Scurry’s Goalkeeper Top

The 1999 USWNT World Cup team has gathered in New York City in preparation for the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration at Red Bull Arena. The current team is set to face Mexico in one of their final warm-up matches before the Olympics. As part of the festivities, the team members were outfitted in merchandise commemorating the historic team, donning t-shirts and hats from a new line by online retailers Foudys and State Champs. Additionally, Nike unveiled a collection of reissued jerseys and tracksuits from the 1999 USWNT World Cup, featuring the iconic white jersey worn by field players.

However, a notable absence in the merchandise lineup was the goalkeeper jersey, notably worn by Briana Scurry during the 1999 victory. Fans expressed disappointment on social media over the omission of Scurry’s goalkeeper-specific kit from the ’99ers reissue. Scurry, unaware of this development, expressed surprise during media interactions before a training session, urging Nike to address the oversight and make the goalkeeper jersey available.

Scurry’s jersey from the 1999 final, where the U.S. clinched victory in a thrilling penalty shootout against China, is proudly showcased at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture alongside her goalkeeping gloves. This incident isn’t the first time a goalkeeper jersey has sparked controversy. England’s national team goalkeeper, Mary Earps, criticized Nike during a press conference before the 2023 Women’s World Cup for not offering her shirt for public sale, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the role of goalkeepers in the sport.

Following public outcry, Nike reversed its decision and committed to retailing women’s goalkeeping jerseys for future major tournaments. The demand for these jerseys was evident as the initial collections released in 2023 sold out rapidly, with subsequent batches flying off the shelves within minutes. In a similar vein, the NWSL, in partnership with Nike, launched goalkeeper jerseys for sale, with USWNT’s current no. 1 goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher’s shirt selling out in most sizes within hours of the release.

While efforts are underway to enhance access to women’s sports merchandise, challenges persist in ensuring that every player’s jersey is readily available for fans. Scurry highlighted the need for a broader appreciation of all positions on the field, not just goal scorers, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of goalkeepers in the sport. As the celebration of the 1999 USWNT World Cup victory continues, the significance of inclusivity in merchandise offerings remains a focal point for fans and players alike.