When it comes to lists of the greatest football shirts ever, the Mexico 98 jersey consistently ranks near the top. In a tournament filled with standout kits and unforgettable players, this one is especially memorable, thanks to its bold colors and striking Aztec-inspired design.
What makes this shirt even more unique is that while many of its counterparts were produced by major sportswear brands, this iconic jersey was actually created by a lesser-known Mexican brand. So, who were the creators behind this legendary shirt?
The brand was founded by an engineer who took over a prominent football club and aimed to redefine its image, both on and off the pitch. When their contract with a global sportswear giant ended in 1990, the founder saw an opportunity to bring production in-house, launching the brand. Already having successful ventures in various industries, he decided to expand his portfolio to include sportswear.
Starting with the club’s jerseys, the brand quickly gained traction, signing deals with other top teams in Mexico. Eventually, they set their sights on outfitting the national team. After a successful bid following the 1994 World Cup, they took over the contract, although their first design sparked mixed reactions. Despite some initial controversy, the brand pressed forward, unveiling a bolder and more iconic design for the 1998 World Cup.
Inspired by the country’s rich cultural heritage, the shirt featured the renowned Sun Stone, blending history and national pride into one of the most celebrated football shirt designs of all time. It became an instant classic, both in Mexico and abroad, and remains highly sought after by collectors.
In a recent interview, the brand's current owner shared the story of what happened after 1998 and why they decided to reissue this historic jersey 25 years later. He explained that the decision was driven by the growing global demand for vintage football shirts, especially with so many replicas in circulation. The reissue was an effort to bring back the authentic version, using the same specifications as the original.
Two versions of the reissued shirt are now available: the fan version, which has a slightly darker color and the distinctive watermark pattern, and the player version, with some modifications made for the World Cup, including brighter tones and the addition of the national flag to the sleeve. Both versions hold special significance for Mexican supporters and football enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the brand’s journey, the owner also talked about how financial struggles led them to lose the national team contract in 1999. Although the football division of the company was wound down, they continued to produce uniforms for other sports and industries, albeit on a smaller scale.
Looking to the future, there are hopes to revisit some of the brand’s other iconic designs and possibly return to making shirts for football clubs. While no concrete plans are in place, the idea of reissuing more historic designs is definitely on the horizon, with several exciting projects already in development.
These reissued shirts are a tribute to the players and moments that made them famous and are now available for a limited time, giving fans a chance to own a piece of football history.
