Belgium and Barcelona Turn Football Jerseys into Art Projects
Football jerseys have evolved beyond sportswear into cultural statements. Belgium's national team debuted an Adidas-designed away kit inspired by René Magritte's 1931 painting "La voix de l'air," featuring pink and blue circular motifs and the phrase "Ceci n'est pas un maillot" on the collar, referencing Magritte's "The Treachery of Images." FC Barcelona launched its 2026/27 home jersey at the MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) with a performance blending dance, light, and optical illusions. The jersey retains the traditional blue and garnet stripes but introduces the custom typeface "FC Barcelona Modernista," inspired by Catalan modernism and Antoni Gaudí's legacy. Paloma Mikadze, director of Barça Identity & Barça Mèdia 360, emphasized the MACBA's role as a symbol of contemporary Barcelona culture. Both initiatives use art to deepen the meaning of globally recognized sports symbols.
Key facts
- Belgium's away jersey features motifs from René Magritte's 1931 painting 'La voix de l'air'.
- The collar of Belgium's jersey reads 'Ceci n'est pas un maillot' in Magritte's handwriting style.
- FC Barcelona presented its 2026/27 home jersey at the MACBA in Barcelona.
- The launch event at MACBA included a performance with dance, light, and optical illusions.
- FC Barcelona's new jersey uses the custom typeface 'FC Barcelona Modernista' inspired by Antoni Gaudí.
- Paloma Mikadze, director of Barça Identity & Barça Mèdia 360, commented on the collaboration.
- The Belgium jersey was designed by Adidas.
- The jersey designs aim to connect football with cultural heritage.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Adidas
- FC Barcelona
- MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
- Barça Identity & Barça Mèdia 360
- Artribune
Locations
- Belgium
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Catalonia