The Fluminense jersey is unlike anything else in Brazilian football. Vertical stripes of garnet—a dark wine tone—white, and green, with "pó de arroz" (rice powder) on the uniform's nape. These details carry more than a century of history and elegance.
"Pó de Arroz" and the Origin of Brazilian Football's Greatest Curiosity
The most famous story of the Fluminense jersey involves "pó de arroz." In the early 20th century, Fluminense was a club frequented by Rio's elite. Its players were called "pó de arroz" because they used the cosmetic on their faces to lighten their skin and hide their black or mixed-race origins on game days—something very common among those who wanted to be accepted into clubs at the time. In homage—or in mockery—rival fans created the nickname, and Flu ended up adopting "pó de arroz" as a cultural symbol of the club, still thrown during championship celebrations today.
The Tricolor Jersey and Its 29 State Titles
The tricolor jersey of Fluminense is the most victorious in Rio de Janeiro in the State Championship, with 29 Carioca titles—more than Flamengo (27). Flu's elegance has always been a trademark: several stories prove this fame. In the early 20th century, Flu had a donkey named Faísca that pulled the machine that mowed the grass at Laranjeiras Stadium. Faísca became famous as the "most elegant donkey in Rio," thanks to the cloth leggings he wore on his hooves so as not to damage the pitch.
Rivelino and the Tricolor Machine
The maestro of Flu's great team of 1975/76, Roberto Rivelino, almost didn't set foot in Laranjeiras. President Francisco Horta, the inventor of player swaps, bought Rivelino from Corinthians for 3 million cruzeiros and used Flu's cash to pay the first installment. The club's board members were against the deal and demanded Rivelino's return. With Rivelino in the tricolor jersey, Flu won two Brazilian titles in two years.
The Jersey Romário Wears with Pride
One of the most curious stories of Fluminense is that of Romário: a star for the club's centenary year in 2002, he was received with great anticipation. With Romário in the tricolor jersey, Flu won the state title that year. And Romário was the top scorer with 12 goals in the Carioca Championship—at 36 years old.
The Eternal Confrontation against Botafogo
Fluminense's fiercest rivalry is with Botafogo: 300 games played, with 112 tricolor victories, 83 draws, and 105 losses. Each derby between the two jerseys—the striped tricolor and the black and white—is a separate chapter in the history of Rio football.
A Jersey with a Unique Soul
The tricolor jersey of Fluminense is one of the most elegant and distinct in Brazilian football. There is nothing like it in national football: the garnet, white, and green stripes form a unique ensemble that any collector would want to have. At Garrincha Shirts, you'll find the best models to honor the Tricolor Machine of Laranjeiras.