Jair Bolsonaro’s Political Game: The Controversy Surrounding Brazil’s Yellow Jersey

The 1970 national team also became embroiled in politics, most notably before the World Cup in Mexico General Medici, president of a nation under military dictatorship, was instrumental in removing the coach – João Saldanha – who had overseen a perfect merit campaign.

Looking ahead to 2020 Bolsonaro’s critics say the iconic yellow jersey is now tainted by his close ties with Brazil’s president.

Walter Casagrande, a former footballer of the Brazilian national team and São Paulo club

From Glory on the Pitch to Political Division

The yellow jersey gained global fame during the 1970 World Cup, inspired by the stellar performance of legendary player Pele. For decades, it symbolized Brazil’s prowess on the football field and contributed to a positive international image. However, the political entanglements of the 1970 national team hinted at the jersey’s potential to become a pawn in political games.

Fast forward to 2020, and critics of Bolsonaro argue that the yellow jersey is now tainted by its association with the president. Former Brazilian national team footballer Walter Casagrande, who once found the jersey enchanting, now believes it has been hijacked by the right wing, making it challenging for others to wear it without being associated with Bolsonaro’s politics.

The Political Battlefield: Left vs. Right

The polarisation extends to the public, with left-wing critics viewing the jersey as a manipulation tool by Bolsonaro’s supporters. On the other side, Bolsonaro loyalists, like fighter Cosmo Alexandre, dismiss these accusations, asserting that the yellow T-shirts are worn simply because everyone in Brazil has one. According to Alexandre, the jersey’s use is not about politics but a universal recognition of Brazil and its football prowess.

Despite attempts to separate football and politics, the divisive nature of Brazilian politics has seeped into the realm of football, creating a clash over the symbolic yellow jersey. The intense rivalry between football clubs in cities like São Paulo has spilt onto the streets, with protests reflecting the broader political landscape.

Campaign for Change: White and Blue Kits

In response to the growing divide, there is a call to abandon the yellow jersey altogether. João Carlos Assumpko, a Brazilian journalist and football enthusiast, is leading a campaign for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to return to the classic white and blue kit from 1914. This campaign aims to signify a desire for change in the country, distinct from the changes associated with Bolsonaro’s government.

The debate over the yellow jersey reflects the broader political turmoil in Brazil, where football and politics have historically been intertwined. The clash of ideologies within football clubs and the use of football symbols in political protests highlight the need for unity in the face of a political crisis.

In a country where football is more than a sport—it’s a way of life—the controversy surrounding the yellow jersey is a reminder of the deep-seated connections between sports and politics, a knot that may take years to untangle.

“When Bolsonaro started running, his supporters used yellow to show that I am Brazilian and I do not want communism in my country,” Alexandre said.