Special MLS Juneteenth Kit Numbers Revealed
Jun 20, 2021, by Chris
North American Major League Soccer recognizes Juneteenth – the effective end of slavery in the United States – with a series of initiatives that celebrate freedom.
The efforts are in collaboration with Black Players for Change (BPC), an organization of Black MLS players, coaches and staff seeking to increase inclusion in soccer that was established on Juneteenth 2020.
MLS Teams Wear Special Numbers to Recognize Juneteenth
The MLS Juneteenth jersey numbers have a bold, empowering and visually-attractive sharp-line red, black and green pattern, inspired by Black culture and symbolize ancestry, liberation and cultural vibrancy.
The Juneteenth-inspired numbers on the jerseys of all players competing during the weekend of June 18-20 were designed by Indianapolis native Israel Solomon in collaboration with MLS and Black Players for Change.
The letters don't fit the style
What is a bit bad is that only the numbers have the special design - the player names come with the - unfitting - usual design.
“This league-wide recognition is a wonderful celebration of freedom made possible by our deep collaboration with Black Players for Change,” said MLS Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office Sola Winley in a league release.
“When approached with the opportunity to design the Juneteenth-inspired numbers, I wanted to use this platform to educate within a work of art,” said Solomon. “After collaborating with MLS and BPC, their clear vision to use this piece as a means to celebrate and educate led to the creation of something that was bold, prideful and visually attractive.”
The match-worn jerseys will be sold in a limited-edition box
There is also a Juneteenth limited-edition jersey packaging that pays homage to Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. The imagery reinforces the message that Black players in MLS are standing tall because they stand on the shoulders of the freedom fighters who came before them.
The game-worn jerseys from each team and their commemorative boxes are set to be auctioned off in three phases from June 21-July 19.
Do you like the look of the numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Adidas Liverpool 26-27 LFSTLR Collection Leaked
Official images of the upcoming Adidas Liverpool LFSTLR collection for the 26-27 season have surfaced online, courtesy of kit insider @KamilBerberler. Following the popular black and gold capsule from the previous campaign, the newest lifestyle range from Adidas Originals switches direction with a sleek black and vibrant red color palette, merging retro football heritage with contemporary streetwear design.
The standout piece of the collection is a long-sleeve lifestyle jersey finished in a deep black base with a subtle, tonal all-over graphic incorporating the iconic Liver bird. Contrasting vibrant red accents define the look, highlighting the classic Adidas Three Stripes running down the shoulders and sleeves, the ribbed cuffs, and centrally stacked Trefoil and Liver bird logos. A matching full-zip coach track jacket and tailored track pants carry the same stealthy tonal pattern and bright red detailing.
Alongside the tracksuit is a bold red pullover hoodie featuring dark, centered chest emblems and "YNWA" typography printed on the sleeve cuff. Rounding out the lineup is a relaxed-fitting black t-shirt that displays the stacked red logos on the chest, a jacquard "YNWA" pattern knitted into the ribbed crew collar, and an oversized red "YNWA" wordmark across the lower back hem. The new Adidas Liverpool 26-27 LFSTLR range is expected to launch in the coming months.
Black & Gold Liverpool 26-27 Lifestyle Shirt Leaked - Official Images
Official images of the upcoming Adidas Liverpool 26-27 special-edition lifestyle and pre-match shirt have surfaced online, providing the clearest look yet at the luxurious black and gold design. Known unofficially as the "Gold Leaf" jersey, the shirt is set to release during the 26-27 season as part of Adidas's off-pitch and culture range for the club. Big thanks to @KamilBerberler.
The shirt features a stealth black foundation covered by an intricate metallic gold diamond lattice pattern across the front and back of the torso. Each diamond enclosure contains an ornate floral damask motif inspired by traditional Southeast Asian art, honoring Liverpool's vast Thai fanbase. A classic Adidas Trefoil logo appears on the right chest alongside the Liver bird crest on the left, both applied in matching gold.
Completing the design are solid black sleeves and a crossover V-neck collar detailed with a gold inner trim. Tailored as a high-fashion crossover rather than a competitive match kit, this special-edition pre-match and lifestyle shirt will be available in the 26-27 season.
