Uruguay's Iconic Sky Blue World Cup Jersey and James Rodriguez's Stunning Goal in 2014

The History Behind Uruguay's Iconic Sky Blue Jerseys

The light blue jersey of the Uruguayan national team, known as La Celeste (The Sky Blue One), is one of the most iconic and recognizable in international football. The distinct pale blue shade has been worn by Uruguayan players since 1910 when the original Uruguay national team wore blue for the first time.

Since then, Uruguay has proudly sported different shades of sky blue, representing the color of the Uruguayan national flag which features nine alternating horizontal stripes of white and blue. Their jerseys often feature the golden sun of the Uruguayan coat of arms prominently displayed on the front.

The color blue has become synonymous with Uruguayan football and is a source of national pride. When Uruguay hosted and won the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930, they wore light blue jerseys as they prevailed over their opponents Argentina in the final held in Montevideo.

Uruguay established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international football in the early 20th century, winning two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups. The world came to recognize the light blue jerseys of Uruguay as those of tenacious, skilled players and a team not to be underestimated.

2014 World Cup Jersey

At the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil, Uruguay wore a similar sky blue jersey, albeit a slightly darker shade than previous editions. The jersey was made by Puma and featured detailing in navy blue and white, the other two colors present on the Uruguayan flag.

The round neck collar was navy blue with a white stripe in the middle. The Uruguayan crest sat proudly on the left chest, while the Puma logo and the FIFA World Cup logo were on the right chest. Player numbers were printed in white with navy blue outlines.

On the back, each player's name and number were accompanied by the Uruguayan flag. The kit was completed by white shorts and socks with sky blue accents.

James Rodriguez's Goal

In their 2014 World Cup Round of 16 match against Colombia, Uruguay wore their signature pale blue jerseys. In the match, Colombian star James Rodriguez announced himself on the world stage by scoring one of the goals of the tournament against Uruguay.

In the 28th minute, James controlled the ball on his chest about 25 yards from goal. Surrounded by Uruguayan defenders, he quickly brought the ball down with his left foot and unleashed a stunning left-footed volley into the top corner of the net.

It was a goal of gorgeous technique and precision. James' perfectly struck volley was unstoppable, sailing past the outstretched arms of Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera. Uruguay's blue jerseys could only watch as the ball bulged the back of the net in a mixture of despair and awe.

James wheeled away in celebration, running to the corner flag to wild cheers from the Colombian supporters. That iconic goal set Colombia on their way to a 2-0 win over Uruguay and deepest ever World Cup run, reaching the quarterfinals.

Legacy of the Sky Blue Kit

While Uruguay could not stop James' moment of magic, their blue World Cup jerseys still inspire pride in Uruguayans worldwide. To this day, Uruguay continues to wear sky blue as their primary uniform color. The jerseys connect new generations of players and fans to the rich history of Uruguayan football.

Names like Luiz Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin now grace the back of Uruguay's pale blue shirts. While Rodriguez's volley for Colombia will be remembered as one of the World Cup's greatest goals, Uruguay's iconic blue kits will endure as symbols of Uruguayan skill, passion and national identity on the pitch.

FAQs

Why is the Uruguay jersey sky blue?

Uruguay wears sky blue jerseys as a tribute to the light blue on their national flag. The color blue has represented Uruguay in football since 1910.

When did Uruguay first wear blue jerseys?

Uruguay first wore pale blue jerseys in 1910 when the original national team adopted blue as their color.

What company made the 2014 Uruguay jersey?

The Uruguayan jerseys at the 2014 World Cup were made by Puma.

What did the front of the 2014 jersey look like?

The 2014 Uruguay World Cup jersey featured the Uruguayan crest on the left chest and the Puma and FIFA World Cup logos on the right.

Who scored an amazing goal against Uruguay in 2014?

Colombian star James Rodriguez scored a stunning left-footed volley against Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.