Green and white vertical stripes. Palmeiras’ shirt looks distinctly Italian — and that is no accident. Behind the alviverde (white-and-green) lies one of the most fascinating immigrant stories in Brazilian football.
Born as Palestra Itália
Palmeiras was founded on 26 August 1914 by Italian immigrants in São Paulo, under the name Società Sportiva Palestra Itália. The green-and-white colours were chosen in tribute to the Italian flag. During World War II, when Brazil declared war on the Axis powers, the government prohibited clubs with names referencing enemy nations. In 1942, Palestra Itália became Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. The name changed; the colours did not.
The ‘Porco’ nickname and how it happened
In 1969, the club refused to register replacement players for two deceased athletes in the São Paulo State Championship, earning the label espírito de porco (pig spirit) from rivals. Rather than hide from it, Palmeiras fans turned the pig into a badge of honour. Today, the Porco (pig) is one of the most loved mascots in Brazilian football — and a symbol of stubborn pride.
The eight stars — not what you think
A little-known fact: the eight stars on Palmeiras’ crest have nothing to do with titles. They mark the month of August — the month the club was founded. Most supporters assume they represent trophies. They represent time.
Brazil’s most decorated club
Palmeiras holds the Brazilian record with ten Campeonatos Brasileiros, plus three Copa Libertadores titles (1999, 2020, 2021), one Copa do Brasil and over 47 state championship trophies. The green-and-white jersey has been raised in more finals than any other shirt in Brazilian football history. The 1999 Libertadores shirt — from the campaign where Palmeiras beat Deportivo Cali of Colombia in the final at Parque Antártica — is among the most sought-after retro pieces in South American collecting.
Collecting alviverde jerseys: original matters
Green-and-white Palmeiras shirts are among the most replicated in Brazilian football, particularly the Parmalat-sponsored editions of the 1990s and the recent Libertadores-winning kits. Replicas circulate widely, including in markets outside Brazil. At Garrincha Shirts, every Palmeiras jersey is authenticated and sourced from verified channels. Italian roots, Brazilian trophies, zero replicas.