Atletico Mineiro have released yet another museum-worthy kit, surely up there as one of the best in 2022.
The oldest professional side from Brazil, Mineiro have a storied history. Founded by students in 1908, the club opened itself as a place for those from all walks of society. Therefore, Mineiro has one of the biggest followings of any Brazilian team.
Their trophy cabinet boasts some of the biggest titles available in the country and continent. In 2021, Mineiro achieved a Brazilian league and cup double, ending a 50-year league title drought. That adds to their haul, which includes the 2013 Copa Libertadores and two Copa Conmebol trophies in the 1990s.
In addition, several high-profile players – including World Cup winners – have donned the famous black and white stripes. Former Chelsea man Diego Costa had a brief spell with Atletico Mineiro as part of the 2021 double-winning side. Furthermore, the legendary Ronaldinho had a stint with ‘Galo’ following his forays in Europe.
In recent years, Atletico Mineiro have gained followers online for their incredible kit designs, which come from an annual competition.
The Atletico Mineiro kit competition
Atletico call the contest “Manto da Massa”, which translates to ‘Shirt of the Mass’. In this competition, fans can submit design entries, from which a vote determines the victor. Then, kit maker Le Coq Sportif releases the shirt, which goes on sale to huge acclaim.
This is the third running of the Manto da Massa. Sadly, it may be the last. Adidas are taking over as kit sponsor of the Brazilian giants in July – meaning the winning kit of 2022 may be Le Coq Sportif’s parting gift to Atletico Mineiro.
And what a gift it is.
Mineiro’s beautiful competition winner
According to Footy Headlines, this year’s theme is centred around Atletico’s new stadium, which will open later this year.
The winner, fan Will Rios, opted for a black core colour. Le Coq Sportif’s kit has a rounded neck with a silver trim, which the sleeve cuffs match with a similar design.
However, the true beauty of the shirt lies in the tonal stripes that run vertically down the shirt. Inside the charcoal stripes, there is a stunning tapestry of Mineiro’s former glory and the future Arena MRV. It really is a true celebration of the past and future of the Brazilian club.
Finally, the kit uses a throwback Atletico badge, rather than the current shield design. This oval-shaped logo is in the black and silver colourway of the kit, as is the maker’s logo.
Mineiro and their departing kit maker will release the shirt on May 13. If previous Manto da Massa kits are anything to go by, this number will prove incredibly popular for fans and football shirt collectors alike.
Fans react
Supporters were incredibly impressed by another belter from the Brazilian side. The kit quickly went viral on Twitter, with users reacting well.
For instance, one user labelled Mineiro the kit kings: “Atletico Mineiro have the best kits, say what you want,” they tweeted.
Meanwhile, others used the new shirt as ammunition to call out the sides they support. “Yoo! Chelsea, please take a leaf out of Atletico Mineiro’s book,” asked one Twitter user. “There are plenty of fans on this very app that create excellent concept kits 10000 times better than Nike.”
Finally, one fan put it very simply: “SIMPLESMENTE PERFEITA!”
It does not need a Portuguese speaker to understand the fans’ thoughts on this kit. Simply. Perfect.
Featured image credit: Getty