Acclaimed photographer Platon captures the spirit of Brazilian football

To capture the heart and soul of the Brazilian National Football Team, Nike invited renowned photographer Platon to photograph the Confederations Cup champions immediately following their incredible victory. Shot in their new National Team kits, primed and ready for next summer’s tournament, Platon photographed all 23 members of the championship team along with the coaching staff.

Antoniou’s legendary images of the world’s most influential and prominent people, including presidents, actors, designers and innovators, have graced the covers of the world’s leading media titles for more than a decade.

To celebrate Brazilian football, culture and style ahead of next summer’s tournament, Platon captured 57 iconic Brazilians wearing the new Brazil National Team home jersey. Among his subjects were 23 Brazilian players and the coaching staff, spearheaded by manager Felipão (Luiz Felipe Scolari). The images include some of Brazil’s leading players including Neymar, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Paulinho and Bernard who are sure to make their mark on home soil next year.

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

Platon shot other Brazilian icons of sport and culture including big wave surfer Pedro Scooby, beach volleyball sisters Maria Clara and Carol Salgado, basketball player Leandrinho, and long jumper Mauro Vinícius da Silva. Also photographed were Samba musician Ivo Meirelles, fashion designer Pedro Lourenço, actor Cauã Reymond, artist Pamela de Castro, and Bruno Big, who’s artwork of the iconic “canarinho” (little canary) is incorporated into the new jersey.