Fortuna Sittard released its away kit for the 2026/2027 season on July 27, 2026, featuring a design that incorporates the image of Saint Rose of Lima on the back collar, according to an announcement by the Dutch club. The deep maroon jersey, modeled by Indonesian national team players Justin Hubner and Ole Romeny, highlights a centuries-old historical bond between the city and its patron saint.
The Historical Connection Between Fortuna Sittard and Saint Rose of Lima
The design of the new away kit draws directly from local history in Sittard, Netherlands. According to Fortuna Sittard, the back of the neck features an image of a woman dressed as a nun with a halo, representing Saint Rose of Lima. Born in Peru between 1586 and 1617, Saint Rose was a Dominican laywoman who dedicated her life to fasting, prayer, and serving the impoverished and oppressed.
Historical records cited by the club show that when a plague and dysentery outbreak struck Sittard around the time of her beatification in 1668, Dominican friars suggested asking for her intercession. The town council named her the city’s patron saint in 1669. According to local tradition, the plague vanished the following year without claiming any more lives. In gratitude, the city built the Saint Rose Chapel (Sint Rosakapel) in 1675, launching an annual festival that continues to the present day.
Design Elements and Player Involvement in the Kit Launch
The club utilized prominent squad members for the public rollout. According to Fortuna Sittard’s release, 2 Indonesian internationals, Justin Hubner and Ole Romeny, wore the deep burgundy uniforms while carrying and scattering roses in a garden setting in the official launch video.
The deep wine color refers directly to its symbol: the rose. A subtle rose pattern is also reflected in the design. This uniform reflects the rich history of Saint Rose and the special bond between the patron saint and the city of Sittard.” Additionally, the typography used for player names and numbers draws inspiration from the architecture of the Saint Rose Chapel, complete with decorative thorns surrounding the digits.
Did you know? The annual Saint Rose Festival has been celebrated by the people of Sittard at the Sint Rosakapel continuously since 1675, with peak celebrations occurring during the final weekend of August.
Embracing Faith and Identity Amid Modern Secularism
As noted in the club’s release, while Europe and specifically the Netherlands experience rising secularism, the club chose to prominently display its local history and faith-based identity on its primary alternative matchwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Fortuna Sittard 2026/2027 away kit released?
According to the club, the jersey was officially launched on Sunday, July 27, 2026.
Which players modeled the new away jersey?
Indonesian national team players Justin Hubner and Ole Romeny served as models for the uniform’s release video.
Who is depicted on the back of the jersey?
The jersey features Saint Rose of Lima, a 17th-century Peruvian saint who serves as the patron saint of the city of Sittard.
What do the design details on the jersey represent?
The deep maroon color and subtle patterns represent roses, while the font and surrounding thorns on the numbers draw inspiration from the architecture of the local Saint Rose Chapel.
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