Brazil are not wearing their famous yellow shirt for tonight’s friendly against England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
Even though the yellow doesn’t clash with England’s white and blue, Brazil has decided to wear blue. This is because Nike, the US kit maker, wants to promote ‘Brazil in Blue’.
Great players like Pele, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have proudly worn the yellow shirt. But Real Madrid players Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo will be in all blue when they play against Gareth Southgate’s team.
It’s been seven years since Brazil and England last played each other. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, reports the Mirror. The last time they met in a big tournament was in the 2002 World Cup. Brazil beat England 2-1 while wearing blue.
England has previously triumphed over Brazil while wearing blue. Back in 1990, a goal from Gary Lineker secured a 1-0 victory for the Three Lions, who were then managed by the late Sir Bobby Robson.
The choice of kit for Brazil is always a big talking point, and for good reason. The whopping £317million, 10-year deal that Brazil signed with Nike is actually the largest sponsorship agreement a national football team has ever made.
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This caused quite a stir back in Brazil, with fans feeling like their national team had sold out and become more of a brand. From Nike’s point of view, having Brazil play against England in their blue kit was a marketing opportunity they couldn’t pass up.
Only three Premier League players are in Brazil’s starting line-up for the match in London. West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Wolves star Joao Gomes will all be playing in midfield against Southgate’s team.
On the other hand, 10 out of 11 of England’s players compete in the English top league. Jude Bellingham, who plays alongside Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo at Real Madrid, is the only exception.
