Bogota, Colombia – The vibrant yellow-and-green jersey of Brazil's national football team has become a symbol of political contention, particularly as the country approaches its presidential elections in October. Paulo Duarte, a lifelong fan and collector of football shirts, has witnessed the transformation of this beloved uniform into political tool. "Every time that someone recognises the Brazilian football shirt,they come to me with a smile on their face,saying really good things about Brazil," the 39-year-old Duarte reflects, expressing pride in how the jersey fosters conversations about his country's rich culture.
However,the political appropriation of the jersey has left him disheartened. The far-right has sought to claim the shirt, particularly during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, who governed from 2019 until 2023 . As the elections draw near,Bolsonaro's eldest son, Flavio Bolsonaro,has taken up the mantle,recently referring to the jersey as "Bolsonaro’s jersey" while the national team competed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This phenomenon is not unique to Brazil. In Colombia, the national football jersey has also been co-opted by politicians. Right-wing President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella utilized jersey to evoke feelings of patriotism and unity among the electorate. The trend of politicizing national sportswear reflects a broader strategy among politicians in Latin America,who recognize the emotional and cultural significance of football .
Experts suggest that the intersection of sports and politics is a powerful avenue for fostering national identity . football uniforms serve as a means for politicians to connect with the populace. In regions where football reigns supreme,the jersey becomes a potent symbol of collective identity. "In those countries where a football shirt is popular because football occupies the premier sporting place in culture, that shirt can be extremely powerful in terms of imagining yourself as part of a broader collective," Clift explains.
As Brazil and Colombia exit the World Cup, the struggle over the meaning of their national jerseys continues. The appropriation of these symbols by political factions raises questions about the role of sports in society and the ways in which cultural icons can be manipulated for political gain. For many fans like Duarte, the jersey represents more than just a piece of clothing; it embodies a connection to their heritage and a sense of pride that transcends political divides .
