There is an architectural quality to some of the greatest shoes, whether on the streets or the pitch. The late-Virgil Abloh was well aware of this, whom famously deconstructed some of Nike‘s most innovative silhouettes in 2017, shifting the paradigm on footwear design since.
The Swoosh will step foot in a new terrain of sorts, building a digital stadium that will be playable in the upcoming FC 25 video game by EA SPORTS. Dubbed the Nike Air Zoom Arena, the stadium appears as if Manchester City’s Etihad and Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome fused with the iconic Mercurial cleats, resulting in a sleek architectural form that reflects the sophisticated gameplay of the FC series, as well as the some of the dynamic footballers who’ve donned Nike’s premier footballing boots over the years.
Playable via the new 5v5 matches in Ultimate Team and Clubs, the Nike Air Zoom Arena coincides with EA SPORTS’ innovative Rush experience, which includes the ability to drop AI players in favor of playing with friends, smaller clubs for quicker pace and goals galore.
As with every new game over the past two decades, FC 25 will present a suite of new offerings, including an expanded career mode, unique rewards and celebrations in Ultimate Team, along with realistic in-game movements and control, thanks to EA’s new FC IQ and HyperMotionV technology.
FC 25 will release globally on September 27, 2024.