Real Madrid – represented by Iker Casillas, James Rodríguez, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo and Gareth Bale – presented their third kits for this season on Tuesday. This shirt was designed by Yohji Yamamoto, and features two entwined dragons on the front, plus the designer’s signature on the inside of the collar.

I saw the shirt up close at my local Adidas store yesterday, and I have to say, I’m not the biggest fan. I think it’s a bit jarring. But I will admit it’s different and relatively original, but I don’t see what dragons have to do with Real Madrid (it kind of makes sense if the Spanish press is right and this was made to capture the Asian market). As my madridista friend pointed out, it’s Barcelona that has a connection with dragons, as the patron saint of the city is Sant Jordi (Saint George). (He also said, “I love it, it’s so tacky.”)

Besides, from a short distance away, it reminds me of this.

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