Forward Madison FC is thrilled to launch its third pre-match top in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month during the 2026 season in collaboration with local artist, Rodrigo Carapia.
Rodrigo Carapia immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico City at 17 years old and has lent his art across the Madison community for over the last 15 years. Beginning in street art, he developed his craft through large-scale public works before transitioning to canvas and paper after moving to Wisconsin in 2008. His style reflects his Mexa cultural heritage and serves as a form of self-expression and resistance. His work includes the first mural at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center, a mural behind the Overture Center for the Arts, and contributions to the Dane County’s Centro Hispano Esperanza mural. Carapia is also a community advocate, leading art workshops in schools and juvenile facilities. He supports grassroots organizations through art donations, and his murals and works can be seen across Wisconsin.
“This jersey was created as a visual tribute to Hispanic heritage, drawing primary inspiration from our community’s amazing performing arts: dance, music, folklore, and color, as well as the harmonious symmetry of our textiles and the swirling movement of our festivities.”, said Carapia.
The design is anchored by a central structure of geometric elements—diamonds, triangles, and stepped patterns that runs down the back of the jersey, weaving respect for our ancestral roots and artisanal craftsmanship into the composition. This element is a nod to Carapia’s first jersey design with the club in 2024. At the heart of the composition, the dancing female figures represent Latina women. Their folkloric dresses capture the essence of movement, the energy, the traditions, and the boundless joy that defines us. Musical instruments emerging from the center of the piece—drums, trumpets, and piano keys—represent the beautiful and powerful sounds of orchestras from all over Latin America. The symmetrical inclusion of butterflies adds balance and evokes the themes of transformation, beauty, and the harmony of hispanic cultures.
“Together, these elements offer a window into the joy and celebratory spirit that define us: the thrill of coming together, making music, and celebrating our roots, while sharing the immense talent found in our performing artists”, said Carapia.
The Hispanic Heritage pre-match top is available for purchase here and in the team store. 25% of the proceeds from each top sold will go to Maria del Rosario Covarrubias Educational Opportunity Fund, a scholarship fund specifically designed to assist adults with families who wish to pursue a degree at an institution of higher education with tuition and books with a first preference for individuals who are DACA recipients who identify as Latine/Hispanic, and secondary preference for recipients who identify as Latine/Hispanic.
Catch the ‘Mingos in their new pre-match kits this Saturday as they host the Spokane Velocity at Breese Stevens Field at 5pm CT. The club will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Trustage with live music, halftime recognition ceremony and fan giveaway. Fans can purchase their tickets here.
