The Portugal Jersey: A Heritage
Through Time

The Rise of Football in the Iberian Peninsula

The game of football was first popularized in the Iberian Peninsula in the late 19th century, also representing the origins of both the Spanish and the Portugal jersey. The sport was first brought to the Peninsula by British workers and students who were studying in universities in England, where it was already a famous sport. In Portugal, the first who organized a football match was a student named Harry Hinton (originary from Madeira) in 1875, in the city of Camacha. Spain is known to have had its first game due to British workers coming to work in copper mines and thus bringing the game to life.

The rivalry between the two Iberian countries had already been in place since the 1700s wars and football only added to it. Nowadays, both countries take pride in providing Europe with some of the best players, exciting football techniques and remarkable crowds cheering for them.

Another important aspect is the football kit (especially the Portugal jersey), giving the teams both identities and meaning even though going through various changes throughout the time.

Portugal’s Ascent on the Football Field: The Golden Age

As the game was growing in popularity especially among the youngsters, there was an obvious need for a more organized system regarding the game. Thus, many football clubs were initiated and games started to take place more often, giving the crowds a feeling of excitement and the players a sense of belonging when giving the best they had to offer.

In 1894, the first cup match was arranged to take place in Porto between the teams of Lisbon and Porto, making it the first major football event on the Peninsula. In order to have something worth fighting for, besides the glory and pride of winning such an important game, the king at the time, Carlos I of Portugal, handed over to the triumphant team a trophy, famously known by the name of “D. Carlos I trophy”. Moreover, due to arriving rather late, almost at the end of the game, the wife of the king, Queen Amelia, wanted to enjoy the game more, therefore it was prolonged by 10 minutes, though it was decided that said extra-time was not to be taken into account for the final result.

For a long time, the only two teams having monopole over Portugal’s football were Lisbon and Porto, even after the organization of various matches between teams spread nationwide. Still, in 1934 the foundation of a domestic league, the Primeira league was imminent and has become a household for teams like FC Porto, S.L. Benfica and Sporting CP. This was the commencement of both the Portugal jersey as a legacy and of the teams as ways of bringing magnitude to the country.

The Portugal Jersey: A Display of Charisma and Fortitude

The main color of the Portugal jersey (when referring to the national team) is a bright red, but it has differed in nuance throughout time. In an attempt to prove how cherished the country’s tradition and royal history are, it also features gold or green accents. The color red was used due to the strong attachment to the country’s flag, which came to have this color as a result of Portugal becoming a republic in the early 1900s. From a symbolic point of view, red stands for the fight for freedom and the transformation occurring after revolutions, while green embodies endurance and improvement.

There are several types of jerseys, depending on several factors:

• the game type (home, away and third);
• the team (SL Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, etc.);
• the location (Lisbon, Porto).

The main differences stand in colors and patterns, but also in the style of the design, club’s identity or branding.

Some of the most relevant differences that stand out when referring to Lisbon and Porto are related to the fact that while Lisbon has kept a more traditional and classic approach regarding design, Porto clubs opted for a bolder and more contentious style. This aspect applies to home, away and third kits, thus displaying the teams’ personalities and identities.

Lisbon and Porto have kept the rivalry alive throughout the years, giving the public even more reasons to enjoy their games and managing to bring football to greater dimensions.

Bringing the Crowds Together: A Team Effort

While the competition between the two biggest cities in Portugal is continually animated by the desire to become the best in the country, there are some instances when the crowds from both cities come together as one. One of the most significant match in Portugal’s recent history is the Euro 2016 Final against France, which took place at Stade de France in Paris. At the time, France showed a very powerful attack throughout the game and besides the players’ great performance, the other aspect that was of tremendous help was the cheering of the crowds, brought together by their country. Thus, Portugal managed to maintain a strong defense, showing terrific solidarity and sportsmanship, hence succeeding in winning the match by 1-0 and making it their first victory of such importance.

Such a tremendous team effort, embodied by the red and green Portugal jersey made the crowds wild especially because France was a clear favorite, heading to win its third such title. Therefore, the surprise and excitement were even greater and celebrated as such with loud cheering, honking, fireworks and, all in all, the enthusiasm of sharing such special and unique moments.

Culture, History and the Nuances That Have Shaped Football

Undoubtedly, football is the most appreciated game in Portugal, rich in history as well as culture and seen as almost a religion for many supporters. The national team, as well as the teams representing every big city, has managed to put together a very strong and confident game throughout the years, thus creating a reliable and faithful kind of community. Every game is watched and celebrated, while the football gene is passed down from a generation to another, maintaining the spirit well alive and enthusiastic.

People often find comfort in such activities, whether watching or playing the game, always making it a worthy one and learning to give value to every part of it, from the Portugal jersey to the field they play on.