88 years is a fair amount of time for a brand like UMBRO. Shit, I remember in high school the competition was always between Diadora and UMBRO. Like a land war. The scruffs in school went for the UMBRO of course, including myself. Did it mean I played better? Hell no. If anything is designated me as one of those picks that would do the man handling necessary to sway the ball in our team’s favor. I thank UMBRO everyday for making me the player I am.

In all serious, today UMBRO continues to build off their legacy in a very proper manner. The launch of the UMBRO Icons Re-issue collecton, a four garment array of some classic favorites – the ’66 Anthem Jacket, the Mexico ’70 Jersey, the Taped Track Jacket and Drill Top. Each garment is a stitch by stitch authentic construction of the originals.  If you know the game, you will know these four “Icons” from the UMBRO collection. For those new to the game, put on some cleats and tear up the turf.

More looks in our gallery…

The latest issue of The Green Soccer Journal focuses on the much maligned goalkeeper. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a player choose to be the last line of defense then this issue might give you  a little insight. “We speak to some of the games top shot stoppers in Bob Wilson, Tim Howard and the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, Gianluigi Buffon. They discuss their feelings toward the position, the highs and lows they encountered, and the real reason they went for the gloves.” The only thing that’s missing is a mid 90’s David Seaman sticker set.

Click for images.

The Nike CR7 collection brings a slice of Ronaldo inspired sportswear to the table. Not a hotpant or man-purse in sight, the collection includes tees, sweatshirts and polo shirts to accompany his signature boot. As Oregon HQ explains, the “CR7 collection reflects Cristiano Ronaldo’s distinctive style. For the first time alongside his Mercurial Superfly boot, Nike introduces a complete CR7 collection blending the most innovative training and lifestyle products.” We take a specific look at the apparel from the collection. More on the CR Mercurial Vapor Superfly III boot shortly.

Click for looks at the new Chrisiano Ronaldo CR7 apparel collection from Nike.

London’s Design Museum hosted Puma’s launch of their sponsored Africa Kits for 2012. Each of the ten partner team jerseys were designed by artists from the Creative African Network (CAN), Puma’s platform for bring together creatives from across the African continent. Teams include: Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Namibia, Senegal, Togo, Gabon, Burkina Faso and the newest member to the Puma line-up, South Africa. Look for the new Puma kits to shine during the Africa Cup of Nations.

More look after the click.

Stephen Fry’s beloved Norwich City Canaries will enter the Premier League dressed in Italian “created” kits from Errea. It’s traditional fare for the club, yellow for home and green for away, but was launched via this charming promotional video. We’re hoping Fry, who is also a club director, had a hand in the idea.

Nottingham Forest will be dressed in this smooth number as the club attempts to progress out of the Championship during the 2011/2012 season. Tailored by Umbro, the red kit with white collar benefits (in our eyes) from the rather absurd sponsor emblazoned across the front. Can’t quite put a finger on why we like it… but, hey, we do. Is it the appointment of Steve McClaren as manager?

Nike’s flagship football boot for 17 years, the latest version of the Tiempo (The Tiempo Legend IV Elite) incorporates the lines hallmarks of craftsmanship with the latest in enhanced technologies. The boot marries premium leather – for touch – with a Flywire upper – for support – to produce the most comfortable and responsive Nike football footwear to date. Designed in keeping with Tiempo heritage, the technological features blend seamlessly proving that one can both look back and forward simultaneously.

A look at the Tiempo Legend IV Elite and the heritage of the Tiempo boot by Nike after the leap.

French footie is on the mind when reading The Green Soccer Journal issue 2; coming soon to a newsstand new you. Look for the double covers featuring France legend Patrick Vieira and rising star Mamadou Sakho. Pre-order online now.

More looks inside issue #2 after the click.

No Mas knows a thing or two about celebrating sporting accomplishments, both legendary and nefarious. This Summer, the New York-based brand honors a homegrown club with global appeal – the New York Cosmos. In 1977, with Pele firmly at the helm, the Cosmos raised a championship trophy and finalized a 5 year journey to bring soccer into the consciousness of the Big Apple. The hang tag is especially good, featuring Pele himself clad in Cosmos green.

View more images of the t-shirt after the jump.

Tailored by Umbro, the new 2011/2012 home strip for LOC (Lille Olympique Sporting Club) is constructed of a super breathable polyester.The intent of the engineered fabric is to provide the technical pluses of cutting edge polyester with the feel and comfort of cotton.