Why Do Italy Play in Blue? The Stories Behind National Team Colors
Have you ever looked at a national team's jersey and wondered, "Why that color?" While most club teams wear the colors of their city or crest, the stories behind national team kits are often far more fascinating and steeped in history.
These colors are not chosen by accident. They represent royal houses, historical flags, and even national symbols. They are a declaration of identity that goes far beyond the football pitch. Let's explore the rich history behind some of the most iconic national team colors.
1. Italy: The Azzurri (The Blues)
Italy's national flag is green, white, and red, yet their teams compete in a vibrant blue known as Azzurro. Why? The color is a tribute to the Royal House of Savoy, the ruling family that unified Italy into a single kingdom in 1861.
The official color of the royal family was "Savoy Blue." When the national football team played its first games, they adopted this color to honor the monarchy. Even after Italy became a republic in 1946, the beloved Azzurri color remained, forever linking the team to the nation's history. When you wear that blue shirt, you're wearing a piece of Italian unification history.
2. The Netherlands: Oranje (Orange)
Much like Italy, the Netherlands' flag (red, white, and blue) doesn't seem to match their famous orange kits. The color Oranje is the official color of the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau.
The dynasty was founded by William of Orange, a key figure in the fight for Dutch independence. To honor the royal family's legacy and their role in the nation's history, all of the Netherlands' national sports teams compete in orange. The color has become a powerful symbol of Dutch national pride, creating a sea of Oranje in the stands at every match.
3. Germany: Die Mannschaft (The White and Black)
Germany’s flag is black, red, and gold, yet their home kit is a famously efficient and clean white and black. These colors predate the modern German flag and are taken from the flag of Prussia, the powerful 19th-century state that was instrumental in the unification of Germany.
The Prussian flag was black and white. When the German Football Association (DFB) was founded in 1900, they adopted these colors for the national team. While the nation's flag has changed, the team's core identity has remained, representing a long and storied history. Their iconic green away kit also has its own legends, often linked to the colors of the DFB logo.
4. Japan: The Samurai Blue
The Japanese flag, the "Hinomaru," is a simple red circle on a white background. So, why do the national team play in blue? The exact origin is a topic of debate, but the most popular theory dates back to the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
In a historic match, the underdog Japanese team, wearing blue kits, defeated the powerhouse Swedish team. Since then, blue has been considered a lucky color. The team is now known as the "Samurai Blue," a name that evokes the spirit of Japan's ancient warriors. It's a color chosen not for a flag or a royal family, but for the power of a legendary victory.
A Color is More Than a Color
When you pull on a national team jersey, you're wearing more than just a piece of sportswear. You're wearing a story—of kings and kingdoms, of independence and honor, of legendary victories and national pride.
These colors unite millions of people under a single banner, telling a story that every fan becomes a part of. Represent your nation's history and pride with a kit that means something more.
Which national team has the most beautiful kit? Are there any other color stories we should know about? Share in the comments below!