Reebok have made a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming World Cup after the American-owned sportswear brand announced its intention to "reclaim its position" in the football space.
For the first time since 1998, when Paraguay, Chile and Colombia sported the famous Vector logo in France, Reebok are making an appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
Those who grew up watching football in the late '90s and early 2000s will understand the significance of Reebok's return. They were renowned for making some iconic shirts, including Chile's wonderful template from the '98 World Cup.
On this occasion, the global sportswear brand has partnered with the Panama national team to create the home, away and third kits.
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The classic Panamanian red will be the colour of their home shirt, combining white side panels and a navy-blue collar to create a distinct look, while the away jersey is a stunning dark navy-blue polo that screams vintage '90s.
Our personal favourite, however, is the white third kit, which includes the Reebok logo and Panama's national crest in the centre. It has been described as a celebration of Panamanian culture and identity – and we're fully on board.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Panama's kit drop.
One said: "They nailed it with the three shirts, proper Reebok there," and a second commented: "All three are fantastic, the blue one totally blows my mind, very much in the style of France '98."
A third wrote: "Uufff, Reebok doesn't get tired of making beautiful things. With Panama they've outdone themselves, with Botafogo let's not even talk about it, and the ones from Tijuana are no slouch either."
A fourth said: "All bangers," and a fifth added: "Petition to bring Reebok back to doing football shirts in England."
Los Canaleros will be making their second appearance at a World Cup after debuting at Russia 2018.
Thomas Christiansen's side will take on England, Croatia, and Ghana in Group L, with their opening match against Ghana taking place on June 17. They will then face Croatia on June 24 before coming up against Thomas Tuchel's England on June 27.
Reebok is making a full-scale return to football for the 2026-2027 season
Reebok will launch an 'all-out assault' on the market for the 2026-27 season, according to Footy Headlines, who claim they will release kits with Spanish side Real Valladolid, as well as a brand-new line of performance boots.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic will be the official face of Reebok's football apparel and footwear offerings, and will wear the new Sidewinder boot from the start of next season.
On linking up with the brand, Vlahovic said: "I'm proud to join Reebok as it returns to the pitch and reclaims its position in football. Reebok has an incredible heritage in sports and I'm excited to see what we can do together to elevate Reebok Football for a new generation of athletes."
Todd Krinsky, chief executive of Reebok, said: “Football is deeply rooted in Reebok’s heritage, and it is central to our future. As we continue to rebuild our presence in team sports, partnering with an elite talent like Dušan signals our commitment to competing at the highest level.
“This is about honouring where we’ve been while boldly shaping where we’re going.”
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Panama
Jack Kenmare