Nike Designers Discuss Striking World Cup Fonts

National team kits are often made the big stories leading into the World Cup, but very rarely is the full account given. The name and number on the back are the point of individual recognition for not merely the referee, but an entire audience eager to see a hero rise. Where numbering can be as simple as blocky die-cut strips slapped on the back of the jersey (i.e. the local youth club), leave it to Nike to leave no detail undeveloped. Recruiting renowned designers Wim Crouwel and Neville Brody for the project, Nike sought to honor the attitude, vibrance and essence of each represented country through a set of custom typefaces. Nike Design Director Stu McArthur sat down with designboom to uncover the rationale behind these unique typefaces, his personal favorites and more. Enjoy key excerpts below and head here for the full transcript – which is, admittedly, worth the read.