Brazilian legends, drivers of change in the history of football
The special exhibition Innovation in Action explores milestones in the evolution of football. It features personal items from legendary players who shaped the sport in ways that go far beyond goals and victories.
The exhibition pays also special tribute to Brazilian football and its legends who have written remarkable chapters in history, making their mark also through innovation, style, and cultural impact.
One of the most fascinating features of this exhibition is the display of the Seleção's physical test results conducted before the FIFA World Cup Mexico 1970.
The measurement of physical performance has since taken a remarkable leap forward. The electronic performance and tracking systems (EPTS) are now so advanced that they can be used during official matches, providing real-time data that delights performance analysts and fans alike.
The exhibition features a shirt prepared for Richarlison at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Seeing it immediately evokes the player’s signature energy, skill, and, of course, his extraordinary scissor kick goal against Serbia in that tournament.
But if you love numbers, you will be also captivated by the performance data collected by the electronic performance and tracking systems from the Brazilian players' match-worn devices.
This data revealed fascinating game trends, such as the finding that players playing on the number 9 position (centre forward) increased their percentage of ball reception in the penalty area by a dramatic 57% compared to the 2018 tournament in Russia.
The analytical data presented is crucial, empowering coaches to devise more effective strategies against tough opponents. For instance, the 'Innovation in Action' presentation details how Fluminense leveraged a disciplined and coordinated defense to overcome Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The synchronized movements of center-backs Juan Pablo Freytes and Thiago Silva, working in concert with the midfielders, were key to neutralizing the opposing attackers.
To illustrate this monumental defensive performance, we proudly display the captain's armband that Thiago Silva deservedly wore in this new competition.
From supporter to fan
Innovation is not always based on technology and data. Sometimes it is much simpler and more subtle. The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA brought with it an innovation: it was the first time that players' names were printed on their shirts.
The shirt number is iconic and full of meaning. For many years, it indicated the position on the pitch, but today it has historical significance: Argentina's number 10, Spain's number 7 and Germany's number 9 have a special aura.
The inclusion of names on the jerseys not only made it easier to identify the players on the pitch but also represented a step towards recognising individuality within a team sport.
‘Innovation in Action’ features the number 11 jersey worn by Romario in 1994 as a symbol of this historic innovation. Since then, wearing a jersey has meant not only supporting a club or country, but also admiring a particular player. The supporter became a fan, and football gained a significant innovation.
The special exhibition Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch at the FIFA Museum in Zurich is open until 29 March 2026.
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