Miami's new MLS expansion team unveiled its club name, crest and colors early Wednesday morning, bringing a splash of global and Latin American flair to the league.
The team's name, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, celebrates Miami as “a truly global location that welcomes and embraces all cultures and communities," and is a nod to “Miami’s international, diverse, inclusive, creative and ambitious spirit,” according to a club statement.
“This is such a proud day for myself and for the entire team. It’s an honor to announce the new name and crest to our fans,” said David Beckham, Miami MLS Owner and President of Football Operations. “We are taking another important step in establishing our club and today marks an important moment in the history of Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami.”
The club also released its official website, intermiamicf.com, social-media handle: @intermiamicf (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and motto: “Libertas, Unitas, Fortuna.” The motto pays tribute to the concepts of freedom, unity, solidarity, inclusiveness, opportunity and good fortune for all.
“Our city and our fans draw their strength from the dreams of a global population that calls Miami home,” said Miami MLS Managing Owner Jorge Mas. “It is only fitting that our name pays tribute to the inclusiveness that makes us who we are.”
Fellow Miami MLS Owner and Chairman Marcelo Claure added: “We are extremely excited to offer the team’s identity to Miami and the world. This team will thrive on the principles of solidarity, passion, innovation, tenacity and inclusivity and embodies all of them in every aspect of our daily work – on and off the field.”
The new team name and crest is being unveiled via a multi-pronged “digital takeover” campaign across South Florida, telling the story of the new identity across multiple platforms, including souvenir editions of the The Miami Herald and the El Nuevo Herald and the creation of murals featuring the crest by two local artists in the Wynwood and Brickell neighborhoods.
Miami was officially granted an expansion team in January and it is presently scheduled to take the field in 2020, playing at a temporary venue until their own privately-funded stadium is completed the following year. Club leaders have proposed a 25,000-seat stadium paired with restaurant and retail space, office buildings, hotels, athletic fields and a public park on a site near Miami International Airport, dubbed “Miami Freedom Park.”
