Over the last week adidas dropped two of the kits of the year with the special Mexico jersey arriving under the ‘Mexico de Oro’ collection, and the Germany kit celebrating the federation’s 125th anniversary. Both were topped off with the iconic Trefoil, and both got a winning debut last night.
The return of the adidas Trefoil on the performance scene was a proper statement last year, and following its appearance first on a selection of elite club teams’ third shirts for the 24/25 campaign, it also made an appearance on Colombia and Argentina’s anniversary jerseys. And the latter really got us wanting more: more special kits, more of the international setting, and just more of the Trefoil (we’re a bit greedy like that). Well, last week we got our wish, with first Mexico and then Germany both receiving special new kits, complete with the resplendent logo. And we didn’t have to wait long for both to get their debuts.
The international break can be a bit of a drain, shifting attention from domestic competition at a time when things are really heating up. But it’s softened a little bit when you get to enjoy debuts like this.
Germany took to the field for the first time in their new 125th anniversary kit (their last from adidas, with Nike set to take the reigns). They faced Italy in the first leg of the Nations League quarter finals. The Italians weren’t going to roll over and let Germany take the win just because they had a beautiful new kit on, but, having taken the lead, they weren’t able to hold out and Germany turned it round to take a 2-1 win.
The stripped back kit stood out on the pitch, with the design drawing inspiration from past Germany kits, styled in a simple vintage look in the classic white and black. The returning Trefoil completed the throwback look and a feeling of not knowing what you’ve got until its gone. We’re not crying, you are.
For Mexico, it always feels like a party, and Canada certainly weren’t able to fulfil the role of party poopers on this occasion. Mexico’s talisman, Raul Jiménez, ensured that things got off to a flier, notching in the first minute and sealing the victory in the 75th.
Adidas don’t seem to do bad Mexico kits these days, and the Federation’s latest is further evidence of that fact. The design celebrates an era where Mexican cinema lit up the screens and the legacy it left on the nation’s identity, highlighting the rich culture of the country, with sophistication and style sitting at the heart of the design.
The all-black base is paired with glowing gold accents amongst a deconstructed Mexico crest, which is paired next to the iconic Trefoil logo. After Colombia and Argentina, the Mexicans must have been looking on with envious eyes, but no more. The Trefoil has not been seen on a Mexico jersey for over 30 years but now it’s made a triumphant return in one of the cleanest national team kits going. The look is finished with detailing on the collar and cuffs, which takes inspiration from the Mexican tradition of the Mariachi, staying true to the traditional culture of the country. And boy did it work on the pitch.
Oh, and Trefoil aside, that Mexico prematch shirt? Wow...
Shop the Germany and Mexico kits at prodirectsport.com/soccer
