The Netherlands national football team is renowned for its vibrant orange kit, a colour that has become synonymous with Dutch pride and sporting excellence. Whether it is during major tournaments or celebratory festivals, the sea of orange that envelops the cities is a sight to behold. However, have you ever pondered the reason why orange is so deeply ingrained in Dutch culture and football history?
The origin of the iconic orange kit can be traced back to the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau, which dates back nearly 500 years to William of Orange. Despite the national flag bearing the colours red, white, and blue, the Dutch have embraced orange as their national colour, representing pride, unity, and a strong link to their royal heritage.
Former Netherlands midfielder, Bolo Zenden, eloquently explains, “Orange is something that belongs to us, just like the yellow belongs to the Brazilians.” The significance of wearing the Dutch orange shirt is a matter of deep pride for players and fans alike. The emotional connection and sense of national identity tied to the iconic colour cannot be overstated.
The rich history of the Dutch national team’s kit is also marked by controversies and memorable designs. During the 1974 World Cup, a unique dispute arose between legendary forward Johan Cruyff and the Dutch football federation’s kit sponsor, Adidas. Cruyff, under contract with Puma, refused to wear Adidas boots and, after a standoff, the compromise saw one of the Adidas stripes removed from his jersey. This incident has since become part of the folklore surrounding the Dutch national team’s kit history.
Another iconic moment in Dutch kit history came during Euro 88, where the unusual design of the Netherlands’ kit was met with mixed reactions. Captain Ruud Gullit famously called the kit “ugly,” while winger John van ‘t Schip likened it to “goldfish scales.” Despite the initial aversion to the design, the Netherlands went on to win the tournament, and the jersey has become one of the most coveted items for football shirt collectors.
The responsibility of designing a kit that stands the test of time and resonates with millions of fans falls on skilled designers like Arsenio Lopez, who was tasked with creating the Dutch kit for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Lopez delved into the rich history of the Dutch national team, drawing inspiration from the regal symbolism of the lion featured in the national team’s badge. The resulting home shirt featured a stunning flame-like effect, inspired by the power and confidence exhibited by players like Memphis Depay.
The passion and intensity of the Netherlands supporters are unmistakable, especially during major tournaments like the Euros. The iconic orange sea of fans and the infectious energy of the fan marches create a festival-like atmosphere, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between football, national identity, and the Dutch culture of celebration and pride.
In conclusion, the Dutch national team’s iconic orange kit is more than just a uniform; it is a symbol of rich history, tradition, and pride. As the team continues to make its mark on the world stage, one thing remains unwavering – the resplendent orange shirts will always be an unmistakable emblem of the Dutch national football team.