Sportswear giant Nike received a campaign without paying for it. The iconic image of Nicolás Maduro captured on Saturday, handcuffed, with an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones, aboard the American aircraft carrier USS Iwo Jima on his way to New York, became viral instantly. US President Donald Trump published the photo on his Truth Social network, and reactions arrived quickly.
But amid the political drama and international tension, one small detail drew surprising attention. Not the handcuffs, not the water bottle in his hand – but the Nike tracksuit. Maduro appeared wearing Nike Tech Fleece, a familiar set that became the talk of social media in an instant.
Searches for Nike Tech spiked rapidly. According to Google Trends data, a sharp jump in interest was recorded within a few hours. Simultaneously, Maduro's name returned to the top of search results, as the public tried to decipher every detail in the photo.
In the photograph, Maduro appeared with his hands cuffed, wearing noise-canceling headphones and covered eyes, holding a plastic water bottle. But more than anything, the clothing stood out. Nike Tech Fleece, part of the brand's Tech Pack collection, wrapped the dramatic situation in a surprising streetwear envelope.
The item itself is not new. Nike Tech Fleece launched as far back as 2013 and gained popularity thanks to its clean look, tailored cut, and light yet warm fabric. In recent years, it has admittedly not dominated the trends, but the photo, against the backdrop of tension between the United States and Venezuela, returned it to the center stage at once.
Social networks are filled with analyses, jokes, and wonderings. Users tried to identify the exact model, the color, and even the symbolic message behind choosing such an everyday garment within an extreme political scene.
Nike Tech Fleece is currently sold on Nike's official global website and in selected stores, including Foot Locker, Terminal X, and others, at an average price of 550 shekels ($153) for the top and 429 shekels ($120) for the pants.
