Germany to Change Number 4 After Nazi Comparisons, Adidas Stops Sale of All Personalized Kits
Apr 1, 2024, by Chris
- Controversy: The number 4 on the German football jersey, particularly when paired as 44, was criticized for resembling the Nazi SS symbol.
- Adidas Action: Adidas halted the sale of personalized German football kits and is redesigning the number 4, after initially blocking only number 44.
- DFB Review: The German Football Association is reviewing all jersey numbers and submitting 1-26 to UEFA for approval.
Adidas and the German Football Association (DFB) have stopped the sale of all personalized football shirts after being criticized for the Nazi-like appearance of the number 44.
The SS (Schutzstaffel) was the elite guard of the Nazi regime and a virtual state within the Third Reich.
Number 44 Resembles the Symbol of the Nazi SS
The design of the number 4, at least when viewed as small, resembles SS runes, which has sparked controversy and discussions on social media.
Adidas first blocked the personalization of jerseys with the number 44 in its online store but has now stopped selling any personalized kits.
The responsibility for the design of names and numbers on the jerseys lies with the DFB and its partner 11teamsports, according to Adidas spokesperson Oliver Brüggen. An alternative design for the number 4 is being developed in collaboration with 11teamsports to address this issue. The decision comes in response to concerns over the association with National Socialism.
The DFB also said that "it will check the numbers 0-9 and then submit the numbers 1-26 to UEFA for review.
Every number will be now checked, and a new number 4 will be developed
Footy Headlines expects that Adidas will only change the number 4 of the Germany font, as there have been no problems with any of the other numbers discovered yet (except for the 88, of course?.
Footy Headlines Opinion - Big Topic With No Real Background
Footy Headlines things that the whole discussion is a prime example of how social media can amplify even the smallest of issues.
It was never the intention for the number 4 to represent an SS symbol when designed and combined. The design was simply meant to make the jersey look more unique - no player will ever wear the number 44 jersey, which makes the whole topic somewhat irrelevant. Had the sale of the number 44 jersey been prevented, there would have been no issue.
Initially, Footy Headlines decided not to cover the topic, but with Adidas changing the design, it became necessary to report on the matter.
Do you understand the discussion? Was this the proper reaction by Adidas and Germany to change the number 4 and review all other numbers? Let us know in the comments below.
Carrarese Calcio 26-27 Home Kit Released
Italian Serie B side Carrarese Calcio 1908 and technical sponsor Givova have officially unveiled the club's new home kit for the 2026-27 season.
The Givova Carrarese Calcio 26-27 home shirt features the club's traditional blue and yellow colorway in a bold diagonal block layout. Designed to symbolize a chromatic embrace rather than a division of colors, the jersey blends a royal blue upper section with a vibrant yellow lower base. The design is framed by a yellow crew-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs, while the back collar is detailed with the local motto "Duri come il Marmo" in tribute to the city's famed marble heritage.
Blue shorts accented with yellow trim and matching blue socks complete the new Givova Carrarese 2026-27 home uniform.
Goiás 26-27 Home Kit Released
Brazillian side Goiás have offcially unveiled their new home kit, made Diadora and to be worn in the 26-27 Brasileirão Série B season.
The design brings a fresh and clean approach on the traditional green base, using classy white polo collar, sleeve cuffs and shoulder lines. A complicated diamond grid pattern is placed across the shirt, creating a modern twist on an overall classic jersey.
What do you think of the new Goiás 26-27 home kit by Diadora? Let us know in the comments below.
Bourges FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
French National 1 club Bourges FC have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit. Made by New Balance, the new shirt combines the club's traditional colours with subtle modern detailing.
The New Balance Bourges FC 2026-27 home shirt features classic red and white vertical stripes, with subtle diagonal light-grey geometric textures incorporated into the white panels. Solid red detailing covers the shoulders, sleeves and upper chest, while Air Senegal appears above the central city symbol and Groupe Alpha I.S.I completes the main front sponsorship.
What do you think of the new Bourges FC 2026-27 home kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Beerschot 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian club K. Beerschot V.A. have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Nova, the new shirt celebrates Antwerp's cultural heritage through a distinctive local-inspired design.
The Nova Beerschot 2026-27 away shirt features a predominantly white base with deep purple detailing on the collar, sleeve cuffs and sponsor branding. A subtle geometric pattern across the fabric takes inspiration from the historic mosaic floor of the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen (KMSKA), while purple shorts and white socks complete the look.
A stealth black goalkeeper kit is also part of the new away collection.
What do you think of the new Beerschot 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Al Wasl 26-27 Away Kit Released
UAE Pro League side Al Wasl SC has officially revealed its new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced once again by Puma, the new strip delivers a sleek, stealthy aesthetic to contrast with the club's traditional yellow home look.
The Puma Al Wasl 2026-27 away jersey is predominantly black, highlighted by subtle tonal patterning woven across the fabric. It features monochrome silver and white sponsor applications and club crest, accompanied by the white Puma cat logo and the United Arab Emirates national flag positioned centrally on the chest. Matching black shorts and socks complete the clean, blackout-inspired look for the Dubai-based side.
