However, there is some backlash against the politicization of soccer uniforms in Latin America.
In Colombia, rebels have also begun wearing their country’s yellow jerseys, saying they will not allow one political movement to claim ownership of the country.
“What we saw was a vulgar appropriation of the Colombian national team uniform by a far-right political wing,” Colombian politician Daniel Monroy told Al Jazeera.
He and other politicians from the left-wing Historical Accord Coalition began wearing the shirt in public to make a statement about the national symbol.
“The three colors of the national flag belong to us, and the national team shirt belongs to all of us, not to any particular group,” he said.
“We will not allow it to be used as a political tool. This shirt represents remembrance, recognition and affirmation that our country is free, sovereign and independent.”
Some supporters printed images of Historic Accord candidate Cepeda or political slogans on their jerseys.
A similar backlash occurred in Brazil during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was held just days after the last presidential election.
Bolsonaro lost his re-election bid but had refused to concede publicly. Wearing the yellow jersey increases the tension.
“Sales of the alternative shirt, the blue shirt, increased as people questioned whether they should wear yellow shirts for fear of representing right-wing militaristic movements or Bolsonaro himself,” Clift said.
As Brazil’s current presidential election heats up, the national team’s jersey is once again in the spotlight.
When Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker wore a pinkish kit in the World Cup group stage against Haiti, some on social media interpreted it as a reference to the political left, which is often represented by red.
Still, left-wing voters are not ready to abandon the yellow jersey. Gardenia Rinado, a teacher and staunch supporter of the Brazilian national team, believes Bolsonaro’s case for the uniform has weakened.
“In recent years, the Brazilian national team uniform has become so politicized that I feel embarrassed to wear it,” Rinard said.
“The Brazilian left has gradually reclaimed the yellow uniform, adding red symbols or wearing it in its original form, to show that Brazil belongs to Brazilians and not the Bolsonarista right.”
Some people are tired of fighting over soccer uniforms. Despite the prospect of a tense election in October, Duarte, a football shirt salesman, said he won’t let political intrigue get in the way of what he loves most.
“I’m annoyed by politics, but it won’t affect my passion for football. This is something I’m 100 percent sure of,” Duarte said.
