Few football shirts are as instantly recognisable as the 1998 Brazil home shirt.
Designed by Nike for the World Cup in France, this kit perfectly captured both the energy of Brazilian football and the boldness of late-90s design. Worn by legends such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and Dunga, it remains one of the most memorable Brazil football shirts ever produced.
The Design
Released at the height of Nike’s dominance in football kit design, the 1998 Brazil home shirt combined simplicity with confidence. The bright canary yellow base was complemented by deep green trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs, with subtle shadow striping running vertically down the fabric; a detail that gave the shirt texture and depth under stadium lights.
Nike’s minimalist approach was key to its success: clean lines, bold colour contrast, and a design that let Brazil’s then four-time world champions shine without distraction. The blue & green swoosh on the right chest balanced perfectly against the embroidered CBF crest on the left, while the inner collar featured the phrase Brasil, stitched in classic Nike type.
Made with Nike’s then-cutting-edge Dri-FIT fabric, the shirt was designed for performance in hot conditions; ideal for a team famous for their attacking flair. It was paired with blue shorts and white socks, completing one of the most balanced and visually striking kits in international football.
Ronaldo and the 1998 World Cup
No conversation about the 1998 Brazil kit is complete without mentioning Ronaldo, not Cristiano, but Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, the original phenomenon. At just 21 years old, Ronaldo was already the biggest name in world football, and this shirt became synonymous with his rise to superstardom.
Throughout the 1998 World Cup, Ronaldo led Brazil’s attack with power, pace, and unmatched skill. Wearing the number 9, he scored four goals and played a key role in taking Brazil to the final in Paris, where they faced hosts France.
However, the final is remembered as much for Ronaldo’s mysterious pre-match illness as it is for France’s 3–0 victory. After reportedly suffering a seizure hours before kick-off, Ronaldo was initially left out of the lineup, only to be reinstated moments before the match began. The visibly shaken striker struggled to make an impact, and Brazil’s hopes of defending their 1994 title faded under the bright lights of the Stade de France.
Despite the heartbreak, the 1998 Brazil Nike home shirt became an unforgettable symbol of Ronaldo’s golden era; a shirt forever linked with both brilliance and what might have been.
Legacy
Today, the 1998 Brazil home shirt stands as one of the most iconic Nike football shirts ever made. Its design has aged remarkably well; simple, vibrant, and unmistakably Brazilian. It represents a time when football shirts struck the perfect balance between performance wear and cultural statement.
Collectors prize the 1998 design not just for its beauty, but for what it represents: Ronaldo at his peak, Nike’s rise as a global football powerhouse, and Brazil’s role as the ultimate entertainers of the game.
Even 25 years later, you’ll see it pop up in collections, on the terraces, and across streetwear scenes, proof that a truly great kit never goes out of style. So much so that Nike officially reissued the kit in 2024.
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