The Vasco da Gama shirt is one of the most recognizable in Brazilian football: white, with a black diagonal stripe and the Maltese cross on the chest. But behind this uniform lies a history of courage, inclusion, and identity that few know.
The Cross That Came from Portugal
Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama was founded on August 21, 1898, by Portuguese immigrants in homage to the navigator Vasco da Gama. The Maltese cross on the emblem and the shirt is a direct reference to the Order of the Knights of Malta, which protected Portuguese navigators during the great discoveries. Every time the Vasco shirt enters the field, it carries centuries of Portuguese history.
The Club That Accepted Black People When No One Else Did
In 1923, Vasco did something revolutionary for the time: it was the first club in Rio to admit black and mixed-race players into its ranks. The decision provoked protests from other clubs and almost excluded Vasco from a Rio league, but the board maintained its position. Since then, Vasco's black and white shirt has also become a symbol of racial inclusion in Brazilian football.
The Codfish as a Symbol
The codfish, as a "symbol" of Vasco, dates back to the club's Lusitanian origins. It was duly "adopted" by the club in the 70s, when a cartoonist of the time used the codfish in a cartoon to poke fun at Vasco. The fans liked the joke and transformed the fish into an affectionate mascot, proudly sung about in the stands to this day.
Roberto Dinamite: The Greatest Goal Scorer in the Cruzmaltina Shirt
Roberto Dinamite is the greatest goal scorer and the player who wore the Vasco shirt the most times: 1,022 games in total, from 1971 to 1992 and 1993 to 2002. With 617 goals scored for the Cruzmaltina, he is also considered the greatest idol in the club's history. The Vasco shirt with the number 9 on the back became forever associated with the giant of the hill.
The Classic of Peace
Vasco is proud to be the team that gives Brazil the "Classic of Peace", the match between Vasco and América — which got its name for being the first match between clubs from two different leagues after the unification of the Campeonato Carioca.
A Shirt with 22 State Titles
The black and white shirt has won 22 state titles, 4 Brazilian Championships, 1 Mercosur Cup, and 1 Copa Sudamericana — in addition to 3 Rio-São Paulo tournaments. A uniform that carries the history of one of Brazil's most victorious clubs.
At Garrincha Shirts, you'll find the best Vasco shirts to celebrate this unique tradition and identity.