Greenland, the world’s largest island, is known for its stunning landscapes, vast ice caps, and harsh, Arctic climate. Yet, despite its sparse population and extreme conditions, one thing binds the people of Greenland together: their love for football. The island nation has recently made strides in the global football scene, launching a new national team shirt in collaboration with sportswear brand hummel. This new kit, designed with deep cultural significance, symbolizes Greenland’s growing ambitions in international football.
Football in Greenland: A Unique Passion
With a population of just over 56,000 people, Greenland is one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth. About 80% of the island is covered by an ice cap, and the rest of the land is blanketed in snow for up to eight months of the year. Despite these extreme conditions, football has found a special place in the hearts of Greenlanders. More than one in ten people in Greenland regularly play football, making it a central part of the community and a shared passion across generations and professions.
Greenland’s national football team is not currently a member of FIFA, the global governing body for football, but its federation, Kalaallit Arsaattartut Kattuffiat (KAK), has submitted an application to join CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football). The application, submitted in May, is still pending but could pave the way for Greenland to compete in officially recognized international competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
“For us, it’s not just about playing football,” says Morten Rutkjaer, Greenland’s head coach. “It’s about giving young people the opportunity to see that they can be high-level football players, even in Greenland. That’s a big dream for me to inspire the next generation.”
The New Greenland National Team Kit: A Symbol of Culture
In September, Greenland’s football team entered a four-year partnership with Danish sportswear brand hummel, a collaboration that has brought the team a new national jersey, inspired by the rich culture and heritage of Greenland. The new kit, which will be worn by the national team for the first time in future international matches, is more than just a piece of football attire; it is a statement of identity, strength, and community spirit.
Morten Lund, the marketing director at hummel, described the new kit as a reflection of what football represents in Greenland: a bond that transcends geographical distances, unites people of all ages and backgrounds, and strengthens community ties. “In Greenland, football is more than just a game it is a community,” Lund explained. “It bridges genders, generations, and professions, reminding us that despite vast geographical distances, we are stronger together.”
The design of the jersey incorporates several elements that pay tribute to Greenlandic culture. It features symbolic patterns inspired by local mythology, including tupilaks and tuukkaq’er. The tupilak is a figure from Greenlandic folklore that represents strength, while the tuukkaq’er symbolizes courage and spiritual guidance. These elements are woven into the fabric of the shirt, making it a true representation of Greenland’s rich traditions and spiritual heritage.
The red body and white side panels of the shirt are directly inspired by the national flag of Greenland. The flag itself is a striking design, consisting of red and white horizontal halves, with inverted red and white semi-circles. These national colors are incorporated into the kit’s design, symbolizing pride in Greenland’s identity. Additionally, the jersey features the classic hummel bumblebee and double chevrons, which are instantly recognizable.
“This kit tells the story of who we are as a people and what we stand for,” said Kenneth Kleist, the chairman of the KAK. “It symbolizes our culture, our history, and the strong sense of community that football has fostered in Greenland.”
Greenland’s Push for Global Visibility
Greenland may be a small nation, but it is no stranger to overcoming challenges. The country has faced significant isolation for much of its history, both physically and economically. With limited infrastructure and harsh weather conditions, access to Greenland has long been difficult. However, recent developments are changing that.
In November, a newly rebuilt airport in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, officially opened, now capable of handling international flights. This new connection opens up direct flights between Nuuk and Copenhagen, with additional routes to New York and Iceland expected in the near future. Previously, traveling to Greenland required multiple connecting flights or long boat journeys, making the island largely inaccessible to the outside world.
“We have been shut off from the world, and now we’re going to open to the world,” a local resident told the BBC recently. This new connectivity could have a significant economic impact on the country. Estimates suggest that each international flight could contribute up to $200,000 (£157,000) to the Greenlandic economy. Furthermore, two more international airports are set to open in the north and south of the island by 2026, further facilitating travel within the country and to the outside world.
For Greenland, football serves as another means of opening up to the global community. The country’s application to join CONCACAF is a crucial step in gaining international recognition and creating more opportunities for its footballers. The partnership with hummel and the creation of the new national kit are just the beginning of Greenland’s bid to share its unique culture and footballing passion with the world.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Football in Greenland is more than just a sport—it is a symbol of unity, resilience, and community. As the national team looks to gain international recognition, the love for football in Greenland continues to grow. The new kit, with its cultural significance and tribute to Greenland’s heritage, is a testament to the importance of football in this remote island nation.
As Greenland opens its doors to the world, both through infrastructure and sport, football will play an integral role in shaping the country’s future. The national team’s journey toward international recognition may just be the beginning, and with each step, Greenland is making its mark on the global football stage.
