Thread of Champions: Five best World Cup-winning kits
Because it is the most watched sports event aside from the Summer Olympics, the FIFA World Cup has become a massive showcase where sport, art, fashion, and technology all converge.
Here, we count on five of the best kits that were worn by past champions. Specifically, we highlight those that were worn on the final itself.
England, 1966
The Three Lions were forced to change into their away red for the Final in Wembley, as they were caught into a kit clash with West Germany that also wore white.
Nevertheless, the hosts came through on extra time to claim their maiden title, thanks to Geoff Hurst’s hat trick which was the first for a decider. Of course, who will not forget Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy as he was hoisted by his teammates?
Brazil, 1970
This all-conquering side, which was given the honor of keeping the Jules Rimet for winning it a third time, boasts one of the most fearsome attacking lines in international football.
It was in Mexico where Pelé, Jairzinho, and the rest of A Seleção took down every foe convincingly, and they did so by wearing their iconic combo of yellow shirts, blue shorts, and white socks every single time.
Argentina, 1986
The second World Cup in Mexico is also known as the Diego Maradona show. The dynamic midfielder carried his country almost single-handedly to its second title, while donning the fabled Albiceleste stripes in the final.
Although being shadowed for the entirety of the match at Estadio Azteca, Maradona managed to influence the outcome with an assist to Jorge Burruchaga for the winner.
France, 1998
Les Bleus turned back the clock on its World Cup kit, which was a rendition of their classic kit in their conquest of Europe in 1984. Its trio of white stripes underneath the big red band have made the French blue shirt a holy grail for all kit connoisseurs.
Inheriting the iconic number 10 shirt from Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane turned up big time at Stade de France, his brace of headers bringing glory to the hosts.
Spain, 2010
Vicente del Bosque’s La Roja wore their dark blue playing gear for the championship battle against the Netherlands, after seeing them suited up in their fabled red kits for most of their time in South Africa. This was due to prevent what would have been an obvious color clash, as the Dutch held precedence after having a better record over the Spaniards.
Andrés Iniesta scored during extra time to break the Oranje’s hearts once again.