Adidas announced the official launch of a retro Colombia national team jersey inspired by the iconic kit the team wore at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. This is a commemorative edition designed to pay tribute to one of the most memorable chapters in Colombian football history, aimed especially at collectors and fans, as it will not be used in official competitions.
The relaunch has sparked a wave of nostalgia among supporters, who associate that jersey with a golden generation of players and with one of Colombia’s most significant performances in a World Cup. More than three decades after that appearance, Adidas is betting on reviving that legacy through a garment that blends history, identity, and contemporary design.
Retro Colombia national team jersey: a tribute to the Italy 90 campaign
The jersey is based on the traditional red-and-blue uniform that Colombia wore during the 1990 World Cup, especially remembered for the round-of-16 match against Cameroon, in which figures such as Carlos “El Pibe” Valderrama, Freddy Rincon, and Rene Higuita left an indelible mark on the country’s collective memory.
The design preserves the aesthetic essence of the original version, with the difference that in this edition, yellow is the predominant color. It also features details that evoke football fashion from the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, the reissue incorporates modern textile technology, with lighter and more breathable materials designed to provide greater comfort without losing the classic character that made this jersey an icon.
Adidas explained that this is not a jersey intended for competition, but rather a collector’s item that celebrates the history of the national team. In that sense, it will not be used in official tournaments or at the 2026 World Cup, but is presented as an object with strong symbolic and emotional value for Colombian football fans.
The jersey is now available in official Adidas stores and on digital platforms, making it accessible both in Colombia and in other countries where there is a significant community of supporters of La Tricolor.
Collecting and cultural value
Beyond its function as sportswear, the Italy 90 retro jersey is positioned as an object of historical memory. For many fans, it represents a time when Colombia once again dared to dream big at a World Cup and consolidated its presence on the international football stage after 28 years of absence from the tournament.
Sports marketing experts note that this type of release responds to a global trend: The rise of retro as a strategy to connect emotionally with consumers. In football, historic jerseys not only evoke victories and epic moments, but also strengthen the identity of teams and their fan bases.
On social media, the news was met with enthusiasm. Fans from different generations have shared memories of Italy 90 and highlighted the importance of preserving sporting heritage through products that transcend fashion. For younger supporters, the jersey becomes a gateway to learning about a key period in Colombian football; for older ones, a tangible symbol of an era that shaped their lives.
The Colombian Football Federation endorsed the launch, emphasizing that initiatives like this help keep the history of the national team alive and reinforce a sense of belonging among fans. Although it is not an official competition kit, its cultural impact is undeniable.
With this reissue, Adidas is not only putting a jersey back into circulation but also reviving the memory of Italy 90, a tournament that cemented Colombia’s reputation as a respected national team on the world stage.