OneLove Armbands Going Viral After FIFA Ban
Picture this: a bright rainbow‑heart bracelet that screams … “We’re all in this together!” … suddenly becoming the hottest item in Utrecht, Netherlands. Thanks to a whirlwind of world‑cup drama, those once‑quiet wedding‑band‑style armbands are now flying off shelves like fresh‑baked baguettes.
What’s the Backstory?
- Originally launched in 2020 by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) as part of a diversity push.
- Each strap showcases a rainbow heart, number “1”, “One Love” on the sides, and “football connects” in a slick cursive.
- Goal: fight discrimination across race, color, gender, and more – because soccer should unite, not divide.
Fast‑forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. FIFA threatened European captains with yellow cards for wearing the armbands, a fact that sent ripples through the fanbase. Ironically, the more the ban, the more the demand.
The Sales Surge
Badge Direct BV, the Dutch maker (think of the team as a local artisan shop with a massive online presence), reports a “sold‑out” status after dispatching 10,000 units in just two weeks. Roland Heerkens, the founder, shrugged: “The World Cup hype and the ban were the real catalysts. People suddenly realized what we’re saying is bogus.”
Until the summer, the shirts were just “so‑so.” But now the buzz is global: fan‑hunks in Australia, business owners in New Zealand, and an entire European Parliament that ordered 500 pieces to showcase solidarity.
Pricing & Availability
- Unit price: 4.99 euros (~7.2 USD).
- Next batch (10,000 pieces) launching on KNVB’s website and Voetbalshop.nl soon.
So, whether you’re a football fanatic, a human‑rights advocate, or just looking to add a splash of rainbow to your wrist, these bracelets are the talk of the town. After all, “Football connects” – and now, everyone can strap up and wear that statement.
