The Brazilian club Associação Chapecoense de Futebol unveiled its new official jersey for the 2026 season with deep symbolic and emotional meaning: A tribute to Colombia’s Atlético Nacional, the team that became its eternal brother following the 2016 air tragedy. The design, inspired by the colors and historic style of the “verdolaga side,” revives one of the most memorable gestures of solidarity in the history of South American football.
The new kit was revealed as part of Chapecoense’s return to the Brasileirão after securing promotion in 2025. Beyond its sporting significance, the uniform seeks to keep alive the memory of those who lost their lives and to publicly thank the support that the Colombian club provided during the most painful moment in the Brazilian institution’s history.
Chapecoense’s new jersey in tribute to Atletico Nacional: A design filled with memory and gratitude
The jersey, produced by Italian sportswear brand Kappa, features green and white vertical stripes accompanied by a thin black line, a design that directly recalls Atletico Nacional’s traditional uniform. Although it retains Chapecoense’s crest, the visual similarity is intentional and forms part of the message of brotherhood between the two clubs.
On the back of the shirt, near the collar, a gold star appears alongside the phrase in Portuguese “Pra sempre lembrados” (“Forever remembered”), a message that honors the victims of the air crash and reinforces the club’s commitment to collective memory. Chapecoense stated that “the green of our colors united us,” emphasizing that this uniform represents an act of respect, gratitude, and unity that transcends borders.
This is not the first tribute Chapecoense has paid through its kit. Months after the accident, the club released a commemorative jersey, but this new version carries special significance as nearly 10 years have passed since the tragedy, and it coincides with the team’s return to Brazil’s top flight.
The Chapecoense tragedy that marked world football
The Chapecoense tragedy occurred on Nov. 28, 2016, when LaMia Airlines flight RJ85 crashed into Cerro Gordo in the municipality of La Union, Antioquia, near Medellin. The aircraft was carrying players, coaching staff, club officials, and journalists who were traveling to compete in the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional.
The accident, caused by fuel exhaustion and human error, claimed the lives of 71 of the 77 people on board. Only six survived, including three footballers. The impact was immediate and shocked the global sports community.
Amid the grief, Atletico Nacional made a historic gesture by requesting that CONMEBOL award the Copa Sudamericana title to Chapecoense. The request was accepted, sealing an eternal brotherhood between the two clubs. In addition, the Atanasio Girardot Stadium was filled with fans dressed in white in a moving tribute, and the hill where the crash occurred was renamed Cerro Chapecoense.