Euro 2024: Why is Belgium wearing blue and brown jersey in Ukraine vs Belgium?

Belgium’s away kit is a tribute to cartoonist Hergé and the character that made his fame: Tintin, the intrepid reporter. It is composed of a blue jersey with a white collar, brown shorts, and white socks.

Belgium players pose for a team group photo before the match against Ukraine. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Belgium is wearing its Tintin-inspired jersey in its Euro 2024 Group E match against Ukraine being played at the Stuttgart Arena on Wednesday.

The home kit continues with the traditional red colour worn by the national teams, whose players are nicknamed the Red Devils and Red Flames.

But the away kit is a tribute to Belgian cartoonist Hergé and the character that made his fame: Tintin, the intrepid reporter. It is composed of a blue jersey with a white collar, brown shorts, and white socks.

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In his action-packed adventures, Tintin often wears a blue sweater over a white collared shirt paired with brown cutoff pants, white socks and brown shoes. Tintin also has a trademark quiff haircut.

Over the years, Belgian media have often pointed to the resemblance of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to Tintin, particularly when the Manchester City star sported a shorter haircut.

“As a big Tintin fan, I am delighted that our Red Devils will be conquering Europe in a jersey based on one of Belgium’s greatest heroes,” said Piet Vandendriessche, the Belgium FA CEO.

(With inputs from AP)