The Belgian national football team, the Red Devils, will debut their surrealist-inspired away jersey against Senegal, following a mandatory modification requested by FIFA. While the kit features a vibrant, chaotic print paying tribute to artist René Magritte, the global governing body forced the removal of a visible slogan from the official match-day version to comply with strict branding regulations.
Why did FIFA force a design change on the Magritte jersey?
FIFA regulations strictly prohibit references to brands, events, or logos on official kits (unless they are official sponsors). The Belgian away shirt originally featured the phrase “Ceci n’est pas un maillot”—a nod to René Magritte’s work, “La Trahison des Images.” According to reports, FIFA prohibited the text, similar to their 2022 decision to ban the word “LOVE” from the team’s warm-up shirts due to its association with Tomorrowland.
To resolve the conflict, kit manufacturer Adidas moved the slogan to the inside of the jersey. While it remains visible on the replicas sold to fans, it will be entirely hidden from television cameras during match play.
The Red Devils’ Magritte-inspired kit has been a massive commercial success. Sport retailer Decathlon reported that for the first time, sales of the away kit have outpaced the traditional home shirt, with volume doubling compared to the “Kuifje-shirt” released in the run-up to the EK 2024.
How does color-blindness affect FIFA kit requirements?
The decision to wear the blue-and-pink Magritte kit against Senegal is driven by FIFA’s commitment to accessibility. FIFA mandates that teams avoid color combinations that could confuse spectators with red-green color blindness, the most common form of the condition. Because red and green can appear indistinguishable to those affected—especially against the backdrop of a grass pitch—the governing body prohibits matches where the kits could cause visual confusion.
Rising trends in inclusive sports design
The move toward accessibility-first design is becoming a significant trend in professional sports. Beyond just aesthetics, manufacturers are increasingly using high-contrast color palettes to ensure that matches remain viewable for all fans. The Belgian kit, which previously helped the team secure a 5-2 victory against the United States, serves as a case study for balancing cultural identity with strict international regulatory standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why can’t players wear the “Ceci n’est pas un maillot” text on the field? FIFA forbids references to brands, events, or logos on official kits.
- Is the Magritte shirt popular with fans? Yes, according to Decathlon, the shirt is currently outselling the traditional home kit.
- Why are the Red Devils wearing blue and pink against Senegal? FIFA requires teams to wear contrasting colors to accommodate viewers with red-green color blindness.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of the Red Devils’ surrealist-inspired look? Does the shift toward accessibility-focused design improve the game, or should teams have more freedom with their kits? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on football culture and design trends.
