Well known for his controversial portrait work involving presidents Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chávez and more. Platon Antoniou was chosen by Nike for the friendlier assignment of photographing the Brazilian National football team after their Confederations Cup victory.

With five FIFA world cup victories to the Brazilian name, the concept behind the photo shoot was to show the 23 players – including coaching staff – in the new National team kits and displaying a certain victorious joie de vivre. In explaining his concept, Platon explained:

“Whilst the shirt in real-life is closer to yellow, Brasil’s football is pure gold. I shot the players in a way that brought out a more golden colour reminding everyone of the power and success of this team.”

Nike and the Brazil had always had a great relationship when it comes to showing the Brazilian spirit and promoting their wares, and this latest campaign is no exception. Featuring players Neymar, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Paulinho, Bernard and manager Felipão, Platon also chose other iconic Brazilians to wear the jersey including surfer Pedro Scooby, beach volleyball sisters Maria Clara and Carol Salgado, basketball player Leandrinho, long jumper Mauro Vinícius da Silva, Samba musician Ivo Meirelles, fashion designer Pedro Lourenço, actor Cauã Reymond, artist Pamela de Castro and Bruno Big.

The Brasilian National Team kit will be available December 6, 2013 at Nike Only Stores, Rebel and nikestore.com.au, with an RRP of $100.

Mica Nantes