My First Football Shirt: Fernando Duarte

We spoke to football writer Fernando Duarte about sponsor pollution and Zico wonder goals and when Flamengo played Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup. This interview was done as part of our My First Football Shirt series. 

What was your first football shirt?

Newly crowned Campeonato Brasileiro Série A champions @Flamengo_en have released their 2021 home shirt 🔴⚫

It celebrates 40 years since Zico led them to their first Copa Libertadores title in 1981🏆 pic.twitter.com/tJcKCsFIJK

— Football Shirt Collective (@thefootballsc) February 26, 2021

A 1981 Flamengo away shirt, the same uniform they used to win the Libertadores and thump Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup (3-0). A 1981 Flamengo away shirt, the same uniform they used to win the Libertadores and thump Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup (3-0).  For South American clubs, whooping European counterparts, even in a somehow meaningless game, is always a badge of honour. And that Liverpool team were no pushovers.

What is your favourite football shirt?

The one above. Lovely classic design, without the sponsor pollution of these days.

What is your favourite ever goal?

Zico and Company - Kashima Antlers, J.League, 1993. https://t.co/ZgpVTmtWok pic.twitter.com/33C5DZNIuF

— A Football Archive* (@FootballArchive) February 3, 2016

Zico, for Kashima Antlers in 1990 or Zico’s hat-trick againt Yugoslavia for Brazil in 1986. In the last goal he dribbles everybody. 

If you want to read more about the football memories of players, writers, and more you can buy the full Your First Football Shirt book. Discover Alan Shearer's first ever football shirt, Carl Anka's most cherished shirt and more. All proceeds go to the charities CALM and Willow.