A welcome reminder from Kappa that Argentine football exists beyond River Plate, Boca Juniors and the Copa Libertadores comes in the form of this stunning Velez Sarsfield commemorative shirt.
Kappa’s shirts celebrate the 50th anniversary of Velez Sarsfield’s first league title in 1968.
Velez Sarsfield’s 1968 Argentine champions
The famous “V for Velez” chevron is present in dark navy with club crest and Kappa logo subtly deployed in the same colour resulting in a minimal, retro look that continues to the drawstring shorts and socks.
Classic.
Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield were founded in 1910 and take their name from a railway station in their home city of Buenos Aires.
That transport terminal was named in honour of the Argentine legal reformer and statesman Dalmacio Velez Sarsfield and whilst the railway station itself has since been renamed, the 10 time Argentine title winners and 1994 Copa Libertadores champions have carried his name forward across the globe.
Today, the name Velez Sarsfield is synonymous with their kit and colours, almost unique in world football.
According to Jonathan Wilson’s history of Argentine football, Angels With Dirty Faces, the club’s distinctive chevron was adopted in 1917, after they were offered playing kit intended for a Rugby Union team who failed to pick-up the clothing.
Velez Sarsfield’s 2018/19 Shirt by Kappa
Velez’s regular 2018/19 shirts are a far more modern affair boasting sponsors Hitachi and Air Europa’s logos across the midriff and sleeves as well as that famous chevron in three shades of gradually darker blue.
Whilst smart enough in today’s market, they look a whole lot more cluttered than the 1968 vintage, but what can you do eh? Clubs need revenue.
Kappa’s special edition 1960s throw-back kits inspired Velez, now managed by former PSG, Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze; to a 2-0 victory over Rosario Central on Monday night.
Whether the 2018/19 Velez vintage is celebrated in the same manner 50 years from now remains to be seen but these retro-inspired shirts show exactly how you can please a crowd by getting the basics right and are worthy recipients of our Kit of the Week gong.
Sartorial Soccer 