Belgium’s new football kit a tribute to comic book icon Tintin

The Belgium Football Association unveiled the new home and away kits for men’s and women’s international players on Thursday.

While the home kit retains the traditional red colour worn over the years by the national players, who are nicknamed the Red Devils and Red Flames, the away kit takes inspiration from comic book icon Tintin.

It serves as a tribute to Belgian cartoonist Herge and the iconic comic character created by him. The blue jersey with a white collar, brown shorts, and white socks is reminiscent of the outfit Tintin often wore.

In the thrilling and adventurous stories, Tintin, the intrepid reporter, chases or gets chased by the bad guys donning a blue sweater over a white collared shirt paired with brown cutoff pants, white socks and brown shoes. His trademark quiff haircut is hard not to notice.

Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne bears a stark resemblance with Tintin, particularly when he sports a shorter haircut.

Belgian FA pay homage to Tintin

“As a big Tintin fan, I am delighted that our Red Devils will be conquering Europe in a jersey based on one of Belgium’s greatest heroes,’ said Piet Vandendriessche, the Belgium FA CEO.

‘We are thrilled to pay homage to a true global icon: Herge. He not only captured my heart and my mind growing up but that of so many generations. And, that is exactly what the Red Devils but also the Red Flames are trying to achieve. Hopefully, Tintin will give them the inspiration to put up great performances, starting this summer in Germany.”

The new jerseys will be donned by all Belgian national teams from Saturday, March 16 onwards. The Red Devils begin their Euro 2024 preparations with a friendly against Ireland. The Tintin-inspired away kit will debut in a friendly against England on March 26.

The Euro 2024 is scheduled to be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14.