Flamengo Releases Vulture-Inspired 2016 adidas Third Kit

adidas Brasil today revealed the 2016 home kit of Rio de Janeiro giants Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.

The predominantly black is inspired by the vulture – the team’s mascot and a symbol of its history of irreverence.

The bird was adopted by Flamengo’s fans in the 1960s when rival supporters used it as a taunt against the club’s lower income fans. An actual vulture first appeared at a Flamengo match when one carrying the team’s flag was released at the Maracanã Stadium ahead of a 2-1 victory Botafogo. Given that the win was the first for Flamengo over Botafogo in ten matches, the vulture became a symbol of good luck for the team.

The adidas stripes and logo on the Flamengo 2016 third shirt are in a dark shade of orange. he sleeve cuffs and Flamengo crest are also in orange.

A red-black gradient effect is used on the accompanying shorts. It ends with a representation of Rio’s iconic Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain).

“2016 will be a special year for the red and black. We have already started with this beautiful shirt honoring one of our major symbols, the vulture. I’m sure the nation will love not only the jersey but the entire uniform,” says Flamengo Marketing Manager, Dirceu Rodrigues Junior.

CR Flamengo will debut their 2016 third kit when they meet Ceara at the Arena Castelão on January 21st in friendly action.