National identity and hero spirit in the Georgian national team's new kit

National identity and hero spirit  in the Georgian national team's new kit

The Georgian Football Federation and Macron, who became technical sponsor to the Georgian national squad this year, have presented the new kit that the “Crusaders” will be wearing in their next international matches. The new match kits express a powerful sense of national identity. Colours, symbols and stylish, innovative graphics represent the team's belonging to the Georgian people and nation. Saint George (the patron saint of Georgia), the cross and the dragon form a common denominator that conveys the values, character and mission of the players on the field.

The ‘home’ shirt is white with a red trimmed crew neck. Two stripes on the shoulders and sleeves are also in red, along with a broken vertical stripe on the front and back. The back of the neck is customised with the wording “ძალა ჩემშია”, “The power is within me”, a message intended to inspire the wearer with confidence in himself and his abilities and a determination to play to win. The kit is characterised by an all-over, tone on tone, dye-sub print featuring the Cross of Saint George. Another motto in Georgian, “მე ვარ საქართველო”, “I am Georgia” appears in the centre of the breast above the vertical red stripe. These words express how the players represent their nation and how responsibility is shared by the whole team: everybody is equal on the pitch and everyone has a key role to play in achieving the common goal.

The Macron Hero logo is embroidered in black on the right breast, while a badge featuring Saint George and the dragon appears over the heart on the left. This important detail replaces the logo of the GFF and conveys an intense sense of national identity, strength and hope, along with individual ability and an acceptance of challenge on the road to victory, in short, the essence of a Hero on the pitch. The home kit is completed by white shorts and white socks.

The “away” kit is all in black apart from red details on the Mandarin neck, and repeats the layout of the home shirt with a broken vertical stripe in the centre, front and back, this time in anthracite grey. A white Macron Hero logo and a badge with Saint George and the dragon in red appear on the breast. The shorts are black, as too are the socks, though these have a red cuff at the top.

The “third” shirt is in red with a Mandarin neck and black trim that continues on to the shoulders. A vertical black stripe appears on both sides. The logos, writing, and graphic and stylistic details are similar to those of the home shirt. The shorts are in black with a white drawstring while the socks are in black.