adidas and Juventus have revealed the world’s first-ever football shirt to feature traditional Arabic calligraphy, designed in collaboration with renowned Saudi- Moroccan calligraphy artist, Shaker Kashgari.
The limited-edition jersey pays homage to the traditional art form and is a celebration of Arabic culture. It also celebrates one of the most culturally diverse football clubs in the world, with 14 different nationalities from across Europe and South America in the Juventus first team.
Inside each individual number is a traditional Arabic calligraphy design that spells out the word ‘Juventus’, with each player’s name also written in Arabic text.
In what is also a world-first, football fans in Saudi Arabia will be able to purchase their Juventus jersey with Arabic text and the bespoke design between 20th -31st December at adidas stores in Riyadh and Jeddah.
“Arabic culture is rooted in pride and passion, the same traits that unite football clubs, players and fans across the globe,” said artist, Shaker Kashgari. “Calligraphy is one of the oldest Arabic traditions, whilst football is playing an increasingly bigger role in our society – this design
The jersey will be worn at the Italian Super Cup on 22nd December in Riyadh were Juventus stars including Paulo Dybala, Matthijs de Ligt and Cristiano Ronaldo will hope to secure back-to-back Italian Super Cup wins, having picked up the trophy last year at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
“Through this choice” - underlines Giorgio Ricci, Juventus Chief Revenue Officer – “we want to pay tribute to a traditional art form. With this, Juventus proves to be, once again, close to their fans from all over the world, whilst surprising with a single jersey, which also confirms the vocation to explore new territories. The collaboration with the great artist, Shaker Kashgari, makes an important appointment like the Italian Super Cup even more special.”