River Plate 2026 Third Kit Honors Ángel Labruna's Legacy

adidas has unveiled River Plate’s third jersey for the 2026 season, a design that blends bold color with deep club history. The kit, finished in a purple base dubbed “Purple – Better Scarlet,” pays homage to one of the most revered figures in Argentine football: Ángel Labruna, the legendary forward and later long-serving manager of Los Millonarios.

A Color with Cult Status

Purple has appeared only rarely in River Plate’s modern kit cycles, but it has developed a devoted following among supporters. The shade was previously worn in the 2008/09 third shirt and again in the 2018/19 away strip. For 2026, adidas brings back the color with clear intent.

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The Sash That Tells a Story

The jersey features River Plate’s iconic diagonal sash, reworked in a shade of Better Scarlet with a crisp white border on the left side. The striped red-and-white sash is not just a club emblem — it directly echoes the necktie that Ángel Labruna famously wore while managing from the touchline. This subtle tailoring detail has been transformed into a modern football statement.

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Design Details and Finishing Touches

Red accents sharpen the overall look. Piping adds definition, and Better Scarlet Three Stripes run down the shoulders, blending the purple base with classic adidas styling. The result is a shirt that balances respect for tradition with a contemporary edge.

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