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Adidas unveils all-new 'Black Excellence' commemorative jersey

The campaign pays tribute to the black men and women of Brazilian football and celebrates their achievements

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São Paulo, November 17, 2021 – Inspired by the “Black Excellence” manifesto, created by Marcelo Carvalho (one of the mentors of the Racial Observatory project) exclusively for the campaign launch, adidas joins Flamengo and Internacional to present a special shirt in honor of Black men and women in Brazilian football and their achievements.

The new jersey is predominantly black and features unique details from the manifesto applied to the jersey numbers, with phrases like "Black people in Brazilian football are Brazil's trademark" and "Black players have conquered the world," among others, which recount the achievements, perseverance, and boldness of those who never allowed themselves to be silenced. Additionally, both models feature a patch of Black Power hair in the center of the chest with the phrase "É a Coroa" (It's the Crown) printed throughout. The phrase is inspired by the iconic quote by Babu Santana, a Flamengo fan and a symbol of racial activism.

"It's incredibly important to see an initiative honoring Black men and women who helped build the wonderful history of Brazilian football. Fighting racism also means preventing the erasure of the history of athletes who, with their talent, made Brazilian football not only a winner, but also remembered for its magic. May our young men and women learn the stories of those who enchanted Brazil and the world. This tribute will reinforce the contributions that Black men and women have made to Brazilian football," Marcelo emphasized.

In addition to the creative concept of the uniforms, which highlights the inclusion of Black people in Brazilian football and their history as a form of protest against racism, the jersey features the three adidas stripes and each team's crest to complete the product's design. The Flamengo and Internacional "Black Excellence" jerseys are now available at adidas.com.br/futebol, as well as at adidas and official club stores, in both men's and women's styles. The price is R$279,99.