Rio de Janeiro, BrazilEst. 1898“Gigante da Colina”

Retro Vasco da Gama Shirts

Classic Vasco da Gama style, from the black shirt and white sash of the 1923 champions to the Copa Libertadores win of 1998. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 2 Vasco da Gama shirtsRead the Vasco da Gama kit story ↓
Vasco Da Gama Zipped Hoodie - Black Vasco Da Gama Zipped Hoodie - Black
Made in the UKHandcrafted the old-fashioned way
100% cottonAuthentic look and feel
Adults & kidsSizes S–5XL, plus kids’ range
Name & numberPersonalise any shirt
The collection

Vasco da Gama

2 shirts
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro Vasco da Gama football shirts

Vasco da Gama kit timeline
  1. 1898Founded in Rio de Janeiro
  2. 1923Wins the Rio title in its first top-flight season
  3. 1924The “Resposta Histórica” refuses to drop the club’s Black players
  4. 1927Opens São Januário, then the largest stadium in the Americas
  5. 1948Wins the South American Championship of Champions
  6. 1998Wins the Copa Libertadores for the first time

A black shirt crossed by a white diagonal sash, with the red cross of the Order of Christ: Vasco da Gama’s kit is one of the proudest in Brazil. Our Vasco da Gama range celebrates the story behind retro Vasco da Gama shirts and the classic Vasco da Gama kits, with casualwear made in Great Britain.

The Camisas Negras

Vasco da Gama was founded on 21 August 1898 in Rio de Janeiro. In 1923, in its first season in the top division, the club won the Rio championship with a team made up largely of Black and working-class players, beating the city’s elite clubs. That side became known as the Camisas Negras, the Black Shirts.

The Historic Response

In 1924 the elite clubs demanded that Vasco drop twelve Black players. Club president José Augusto Prestes refused in a letter that became known as the Resposta Histórica, the Historic Response, a milestone in the fight against racism in football. In 1927 the club opened São Januário, then the largest stadium in the Americas.

For every Vascaíno

In 1948 Vasco won the South American Championship of Champions, the first international title for a Brazilian team, and in 1998 they won the Copa Libertadores. Show your colours with the Vasco Da Gama Zipped Hoodie - Black or the Vasco da Gama 12th Man T-Shirt, and browse our casualwear. Explore more in our retro South American club shirts collection.

Vasco da Gama shirt FAQs

What is the cross on Vasco da Gama’s shirt?+

It is the cross pattée, often called the Maltese cross, representing the Military Order of Christ. It appears on the club’s shirts and crest.

What was the Resposta Histórica?+

In 1924 Vasco president José Augusto Prestes refused a demand from Rio’s elite clubs to drop twelve Black players. His letter is remembered as a milestone against racism in football.

Can I add a name and number to my Vasco da Gama shirt?+

Yes. Choose a name and number for £12, or just a name or just a number for £7.50. We match the lettering style to the era of your shirt.

What sizes do the Vasco da Gama shirts come in?+

Adult shirts come in sizes S to 5XL, and we make a kids’ range too. Check the size guide on each shirt for chest measurements.

Can I return my shirt?+

Unpersonalised shirts can be returned within 14 days. Personalised shirts are made to order, so they can’t be returned unless faulty.