Think of Brazilian football clubs and the chances are that the first one which springs to mind is Santos. Pele’s only Brazilian club, the place he preferred to stay instead of moving to Europe. Even after all the years since he hung up his boots, it retains a mystical air.
Which didn’t help them in Spain though. The country’s tax authorities has been driving a coach and horses through Barcelona’s affairs and dragged Santos into the mire. The transfer of Pele’s heir apparent, Neymar Jr, has rocked football with rumours abounding about murky deals and it’s proving to be the case. Santos lost their appeal, as did the player and Barca, with a 2-year prison sentence sought for the Brazilian international. Santos and Barcelona will pay fines of £5.6m and £7.2m respectively.
Thankfully, we’ve got a kit launch to celebrate!
Santos 2017 Home Kit
This is the player edition of the 2017 home kit:
The plain white design is effortlessly classy, until the ubiquitous sponsor logos wreck it.
Instantly recognisable, the club’s world-famous crest sits on the left breast. Opposite on the right is a commemorative badge, “The Football’s Kingdom – O Reino do Football”, celebrates the club’s fabulous heritage.
It’s the first made by Kappa, the Italian sportswear company. Their branding sits unobtrusively on the right shoulder.
A women’s shirt is also being issued, featuring pink sleeves instead of being all-white.
