If you ask anyone who took the NBA to the global audience, the answer will be a response of rapid fire: Michael Jordan. Air, in the 1992 “Dream Team” helped ignite global interest in basketball, and he continues to inspire generations of players. But wait, the world is more than just us! From basket to foot, the geography gives sports fans a unique flavor to taste, and the samba dance on green grass, swirling rhythm of feet, and flair that turns stadiums into carnivals is one. From the favelas to the Maracanã, every pass carries the beat of a drum, every goal echoes like a burst of fireworks over Rio. So, will Jordan’s impact be able to replicate the same effect for the Brazilian national football team?
The Jordan Brand is thriving by leaps and bounds thanks to its remarkable new global partnerships in recent years. After Neymar Jr., the Jordan Brand has struck several more international deals, and now it’s headed for one of its biggest deals yet, with the Brazilian football team. The national team is set for a major upgrade in its away kit for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Brazilian team’s home kit is yellow, known as amarelinha, and the away kit has been blue for years. For those who aren’t aware, the away kit was introduced all the way back in 1958. And it holds a special meaning and symbolism, as it was worn during Brazil’s first World Cup win. Now, the team is set to introduce a bold change to that tradition.
Instead of blue, the players will wear a red jersey at the 2026 World Cup, as per a UK-based website. In the last few years, teams have introduced bold changes in the jersey, such as Argentina with purple. This isn’t the only change. Instead of the team’s long-time supplier, Nike, the jersey will now be crafted by Jordan Brand, which is a rather new partnership.
This sudden move after decades is likely aimed at appealing to younger fans. However, it also marks a departure from the national flag’s traditional colors, yellow, green, blue, and white. And just as one might assume, this has sparked mixed reactions from fans and Brazilians. While Jordan Brand has had deals with international teams and athletes, this is the first time the company has made a deal with a team as big as Brazil.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 08: 23xi co-owner Michael Jordan talks with members of his team prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Quaker State 400 available at Walmart on September 08, 2024 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, GA. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: SEP 08 NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 available at Walmart EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2409083317400
Considering Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand’s influence, it wasn’t a surprising gesture. Just a few days ago, it was revealed how the Brazilian manager has been using Jordan’s quotes to motivate his team.The Jordan Brand also has a deal with Paris Saint-Germain in the past. However, as per Foot Mercato’s Sébastien Denis, the collaboration between Nike and Jordan, and Paris Saint-Germain that was kicked off in 2018 will probably end after the 2025–26 season. This doesn’t include the team’s deal with Nike, which ends in 2032. Well, there’s still a cloud over the claim as La Source Parisienne reported that the collaborations between the two will probably continue, claiming the reports to be false.
Hansi Flick used Michael Jordan to motivate players
The best instance that shows Jordan’s global influence is Hansi Flick. The German manager introduced strict discipline as soon as he stepped in for the Catalan giants. He has earned great respect from his squad for striking a balance between firm discipline and approachability. His uncompromising stance was evident in the punishments handed to Jules Kounde for arriving late to pre-match routines. Flick had truly gone above and beyond to bring the championship mentality to his team. It was seen in the first year of his joining the team in 2019.
To elevate it further, he has drawn inspiration from none other than Jordan himself. As a manager, he urged the redesign of the dressing room with motivational quotes from iconic athletes like Jordan, as per Mundo Deportivo. Written mostly in English, Flick hopes to maintain the mentality through Jordan’s words.
The new changes for the Brazilian team are already sparking debate on social media. While some have appreciated the refreshing upgrade linked to the Chicago Bulls legend, others, as expected, have criticized the move. The situation is still unpredictable. It remains to be seen how fans will react once the action begins.
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