The iconic yellow and green of the Brazil shirt: Symbolism and history
The iconic yellow and green jerseys of Brazil’s national football team have become synonymous with the country’s rich history and passion for the sport. These colours hold deep symbolism and have been an integral part of Brazil’s football identity since its inception.
The yellow colour, often referred to as “canarinho” or little canary, represents the vibrant culture and spirit of Brazil. It is also a nod to one of the country’s national symbols, the Canary bird. The use of this color on the jersey is said to be inspired by a group of Brazilian players who saw a flock of canaries flying over their training ground before a crucial match in 1954. They took it as a sign of good luck and decided to incorporate the colour into their uniform.
On the other hand, green represents Brazil’s lush landscapes, tropical forests, and natural wealth. It also holds significance in Brazilian culture, as it is associated with hope, renewal, and growth. This makes it fitting that these two colours are used together on Brazil’s football jerseys, as they reflect both the country’s energy and its connection to nature.
Aside from their symbolic meaning, these colours are deeply rooted in Brazilian history. In 1914, when Brazil played their first international match against Argentina, they wore blue shirts that were borrowed from a local club because they did not have their own kit at that time. However, after suffering humiliating defeats in those blue shirts, it was decided that a new jersey was needed to represent the nation.
In 1953, when Adidas became Brazil’s official kit sponsor for the World Cup in Switzerland due to financial constraints faced by the team at that time (as opposed to Nike being their current sponsor), designer Aldyr Schlee was tasked with creating an emblematic jersey design for them. He chose yellow as it was easy to spot on black-and-white TV screens during matches at that time. Green was added later on as Schlee wanted to incorporate both the colours of the Brazilian flag. This iconic design has remained unchanged ever since and is considered one of the most recognisable football jerseys in history.
The signature yellow and green colours of Brazil’s football jerseys hold deep symbolism and are a reflection of the country’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and historical significance. They have become an integral part of Brazil’s identity as a footballing nation and continue to evoke pride and passion among players and fans alike.