Chilean Soccer Club’s Palestine-Inspired Jerseys Spark Global Sales Surge

The club has since been organizing demonstrations in support of Palestine. It has also taken solidarity initiatives with the Palestinian people, creating new jerseys to convey deep messages. "Every garment and official item is designed as an extension of the identity and history of Palestine and as a bridge connecting our community to Chile and the world," said Nicolás Abusada, the club’s commercial director, recalling that more than 20,000 units were sold in 2024.

The watermelon-patterned jersey - in honor of the fruit that has become the icon of Palestinian resistance - the recently launched keffiyeh-patterned jersey - with which the club has financially contributed to a refugee camp - or the flags made from debris from the city of Gaza, are all projects that the Chilean club has launched over the past two years. Initiatives that have boosted sales. "The turning point was in 2014, when the jersey with the historical map of Palestine was presented, and it was further improved after the start of the crisis in Gaza in October 2023," Abusada points out.

The jersey designers of the Club Deportivo Palestino try to give a cultural and emotional meaning to each jersey. "We always incorporate symbolic elements, such as the keffiyeh, the map or phrases that evoke memory, resistance and pride. The idea is to ensure that the final model is in line with local supporters and the diaspora, so that everyone feels represented," explains the manager.

These jerseys are very popular in countries like Morocco, Spain, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States and Turkey, where demand is very strong, according to the club’s official data. Beyond just sports items, these jerseys represent for these countries a symbol of solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause. "We are delighted to see that something that was born in football has managed to transcend borders and connect with people from different places, cultures and ages, all united by a common message of identity, memory and support for the Palestinian cause," Abusada rejoices.