The Shirt That Never Was - Beautiful Adidas Flamengo Prototype Kit That Was Never Released
@Mourasportflamengo on instagram has brought an interesting story to our attention.
Unreleased 1992 Flamengo Prototype
Sometimes a great shirt can slip through the cracks, and this is one of those cases. The shirt seen above was produced for Flamengo by Adidas for the 1992 season, but was never actually used or released. Adidas had been Flamengo’s kit suppliers for years, and in preparing for the upcoming season, they created this beautiful prototype from a template that had been used most notably for Germany’s 1992 kits.
Germany's 1992 kits which used the same template
The jersey is white with an Adidas Equipment v neck collar (which made a comeback in recent seasons), black and red diagonal stripes across the shoulders from front to back, and of course the Adidas trefoil logo. Flamengo's larger than life badge completes the look, with long term sponsor Lubrax plastered across the chest.
However, Flamengo signed a deal with Umbro which started in 1992, so this third kit never saw the light of day. Flamengo’s colours really lend themselves well to an already great design, so it's a real shame that this shirt never got released. Anyone who managed to get their hands on one of the prototypes should consider themselves very lucky.
Can you think of any other great shirt designs that almost were? Have you got any prototypes like this in your collection? Let us know in the comments.
KV Mechelen 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian sportswear brand Erreà has officially launched the new KV Mechelen 26-27 third kit. This latest release celebrates the identity and heritage of the Belgian club, affectionately known as Malinwa.
The KV Mechelen 26-27 third jersey introduces a striking look that combines a dynamic blue gradient across the front. It is a noticeable departure from the minimal brown and garnet pinstripe design used for the club's previous third shirt. Bespoke club details are incorporated throughout the design to honor KV Mechelen's rich history.
This kit release comes as part of Erreà's ongoing partnership with KV Mechelen, which was extended last year and is set to run until the end of the 2027 season.
Torquay United 26-27 Home Kit Released
Torquay United today launched their new 26-27 home kit. Made by VX3, the new Torquay United 26-27 home kit will be worn in the upcoming campaign.
The VX3 Torquay United 26-27 home shirt introduces a bold look for the club, combining the traditional yellow base with navy stripes. The design incorporates a subtle nod to the team's 1995 season, bringing a touch of history to the modern template. Additional navy accents are present on the collar and sleeve cuffs.
The VX3 Torquay United 26-27 home shirt is available to purchase online immediately, with physical in-store sales commencing on July 16.
Cracovia 26-27 Home Kit Released
The new KS Cracovia home kit was released today. It is made by Puma and will be worn in the 26-27 Ekstraklasa.
The Puma KS Cracovia 26-27 home jersey features a classic look in the club's traditional white and red stripes. The launch of the kit celebrates the 120th anniversary of the oldest sports club in Poland.
KRC Genk 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Belgian club KRC Genk have officially unveiled their new home and away kits for the 26-27 season. Made by Nike, the new shirts will be worn in the upcoming Belgian Pro League campaign.
The Nike KRC Genk 26-27 home and away shirts introduce a fresh look for the team while maintaining the club's traditional blue and white colors. The official launch was highlighted across the club's social media platforms, accompanied by a reveal video and multiple photos showcasing the new designs.
Viktoria Plzen 26-27 Away Kit Released
Czech club FC Viktoria Plzeň and Macron have officially unveiled the team's new away kit for the 26-27 season. The design is rooted in the region's agricultural heritage, symbolizing a bond with the land and the value of the harvest.
The Macron Viktoria Plzen 26-27 away jersey introduces a unique and earthy color palette, featuring a dark gold base complemented by shades of brown. A complex sublimated graphic covers the front of the shirt, blending abstract shapes and a subtle net-like pattern. This distinctive aesthetic is meant to evoke the imagery of cultivated fields and agricultural dedication.
Adding contrast to the dark gold and brown base, the Macron FC Viktoria Plzen 26-27 away football shirt incorporates black detailing on the classic crew-neck collar and the sleeve cuffs. The Macron Hero logo on the right breast and the reimagined FC Viktoria Plzeň crest on the left are both applied in crisp white, standing out clearly against the darker background in a negative monochrome style.
Further bespoke details can be found on the jersey's necklines. The inner back neck is customized with the club's traditional colors, the Czech phrase "Ať stále vítězí Viktoria" (May Viktoria always win), and Macron's "Designed in Bologna" stamp. On the outer back of the neck, the acronym FCVP is prominently printed in white.
