Why has Bob Marley inspired the new Ajax FC kit?
NETHERLANDS-BASED club Ajax FC is paying paying homage to late musician Bob Marley with their newest kit.
The reggae icon’s hit song Three Little Birds has been adopted by the club as an unofficial anthem.
How has Bob Marley inspired the new Ajax FC kit?
Ajax are collaborating with Adidas to release a third kit inspired by Bob Marley for the 2021/22 season.
The kit, which includes red, yellow and green detailing, includes three little birds perched on the Amsterdam cross on the shirts.
The club is also making matching socks, shorts and a jersey.
The kit has been endorsed by the late Reggae star’s family and will be worn for the club’s away European matches.
Marley’s daughter, Cedella, thanked the club for their tribute: “I am beyond touched that Ajax has taken Three Little Birds and made it their anthem.
“Stories like this warm my heart and show how impactful songs like Three Little Birds can be. Soccer was everything to my father…and to use his words ‘football is freedom’.”
Why do Ajax fans sing Three Little Birds?
The tradition began during a friendly match against Cardiff FC in August 2008.
After the game, the Ajax fans were asked to remain in the stands for awhile.
In an attempt to entertain the bored fans, the club decided to play Bob Marley classic Three Little Birds.
The song struck a chord with the fans and has since become one of the club’s de facto anthems and chants.
When did Bob Marley die?
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 and passed away at the age of 36 on May 11, 1981.
Four years earlier, in 1977, Marley had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
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Citing his religious beliefs, the reggae legend refused to have his toe amputated despite the advice of multiple doctors.
Even after his cancer diagnosis, the star continued to tour as normal and had even scheduled a world tour in 1980.
His death was ultimately the result of the melanoma spreading to his lungs, brain and liver.