After a year-long delay, we had soccer ball toy cars, and fan capacity slightly increased until near-packed stadiums began to emerge again for the final rounds. The goals have been plentiful, and the drama has been well, dramatic – following France, Portugal, and Germany’s exit.
Through it all, the players played with hearts beaming with pride to represent their countries whether the flag was over their heart or engrained in the kit’s design.
Here are our top five Euro 2020 kits:
Italy (Puma)
- Image courtesy of Nazionale Italiana di Calcio
Life truly imitates art.
Their kits are inspired by the traditional mosaics and architecture of the Renaissance period with an intricate floral tile motif design.
The Azzurri started the tournament with five straight wins and could potentially end it on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
Germany (Adidas)
- Image courtesy of Die Mannschaft
Why mess with a classic?
The world-renowned German machine is synonymous with its style of play and kits.
Germany’s classic white and black design finished with the colors of the German flag on the sleeves has been a staple since the 1980s with subtle updates. One is that the flag had been slightly adjusted to reflect the diverse backgrounds of Germany’s players and fans.
The four-time World Cup champions stunned spectators when they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by England. Though I think Germany will be ok as they continue adding young talent to their roster.
Denmark (Hummel)
- Image courtesy of Herrelandsholdet
I think it is fair to say this squad has won the hearts of soccer fans around the world.
From the harrowing moment of Christian Eriksen to defying all odds to advance to the semifinals after a rough start to the tournament by dropping their first two matches – their kits are just as stunning.
Predominantly red with white raglan sleeves, this year’s jersey saw the return of the Hummel chevrons running down the shoulders. My favorite part is the soundwave graphic across the torso, a representation of the Danish fans singing their national anthem at a packed Parken Stadium in support of the team.
Croatia (Nike)
- Image courtesy of Hrvatski nogometni savez
Most kits go off a single color palette. However, Croatia’s design is as unique as Luka Modrić.
Another classic on the list, the checks reflect the red and white checker pattern on their national crest. The phrase “Hrvatska Vatreni” (“Croatia Blazers”) is on the inside collar to serve as a metaphorical reflection of inner pride.
Belgium (Adidas)
- Image courtesy of Royal Belgian FA
Dethroning Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal on June 27 before getting eliminated by Italy in the quarterfinals was not the only highlight.
The Red Devils looked incredibly stylish during their run in the tournament. The most notable aspect of the overall red design is the bold two-tone brushstroke graphic that slashes back and forth across the front to create a stylized letter “B.”
It is also the national team’s first shirt to feature the Belgian Football Association logo that was launched in late 2019.