adidas tap into River Plate folklore for 2026, unveiling a third shirt that fuses bold colour with deeper narrative. Draped in “Purple – Better Scarlet”, the new alternate strip pays tribute to one of the club’s most iconic figures: Ángel Labruna.
A name etched into the fabric of River Plate history, Ángel Labruna’s legacy as both a legendary forward and later head coach is unrivalled. Now, that story is stitched into the very aesthetic of the 2026 third kit from adidas, and it feels an incredibly fitting tribute.
Predominantly purple, the jersey signals a confident return to a colourway that has surfaced only sparingly across River’s modern era. Previously seen in the 2008/09 third kit and again in the 2018/19 away shirt, purple has become something of a cult classic among Los Millonarios’ faithful. For 2026, adidas bring it back with purpose.
Cutting across the body is River’s unmistakable sash – reimagined here in Better Scarlet with a crisp white border on the left side. But this isn’t just a nod to tradition. The white and red striped sash design draws direct inspiration from the famous tie worn by Ángel Labruna during his time on the touchline. It’s a subtle yet powerful detail, transforming a tailoring trademark into a modern football statement.
Red accents sharpen the execution throughout. Piping adds definition, while Better Scarlet Three Stripes run down the shoulders, framing the purple base with classic adidas DNA. The result is a shirt that balances reverence with edge.
Shop the River Plate 2026 third shirt at adidas.com.ar
