The football jersey: More than just clothing

For supporters and teams alike, the football jersey is of capital importance. Much more than just a piece of clothing, it is a symbol of identity, pride and belonging. It represents the history and values of a club, crystallizing the spirit of a community gathered around its passion for football.

However, far from being just a rallying standard, the football jersey can also prove to be a source of controversy. Choice of colors, contentious sponsors, overly radical design... The elements that can trigger controversy are numerous and varied.

When the jersey becomes an object of discord

When tradition is disrupted or values seem flouted, the jersey becomes the focal point of criticism and discontent. A jersey can offend supporters by its design being too far removed from the club's visual identity, or by its association with a sponsor whose image is incompatible with the ethics of sport.

A round-up of the most controversial jerseys

In this article, we will explore the turbulent history of some jerseys that left their mark on people's minds due to their controversial nature. Outfits that sparked ink and triggered strong reactions, sometimes even anger, among supporters and football governing bodies.

Let's discover together these jerseys which defied conventions and shook the world of football.

Categories of controversies

The football jersey, far from being a simple item of clothing, can be the source of multiple controversies. The grounds for protest are varied and relate to different aspects of the jersey.

Choice of colors: a symbol of identity

Color is a central element of a club's identity. Wearing the colors of a rival can be experienced as a provocation, an affront to the history and values of a team. A notable example is that of the English club Leeds United. In 1997, the away jersey unveiled by the club featured a dominant navy blue, the historic color of its rival, Manchester United. The reaction from supporters was scathing, forcing the club to quickly abandon this jersey.

Disputed sponsors: the ethics of sport in question

The association of a club with a sponsor can also create controversy. If the sponsor is deemed contrary to the ethics of the sport or the values of the club, controversy is inevitable. In 2011, Scottish club Celtic faced a backlash from supporters after signing a sponsorship deal with an Israeli airline. The political context and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict helped fuel the controversy.

Too radical design: a break with tradition

The design of the jersey is also a field of expression for clubs. However, a design that is too radical, moving significantly away from tradition, can offend supporters attached to the visual identity of their team. In 2012, the away jersey of Italian club AC Milan was heavily criticized by supporters for its design deemed too modern and lacking the classic elegance associated with the club.

Cult and controversial jerseys

1. The FC Barcelona “camouflage” jersey (2015)

This away jersey, featuring a camouflage pattern, was designed to celebrate the uniform of Catalan soldiers. However, he has been accused of glorifying war and trivializing violence.

2. The Paris Saint-Germain “third” jersey (2019)

This black and gold jersey, inspired by the jersey of the club's basketball team, was seen by some supporters as a betrayal of PSG's traditional visual identity.

3. The AS Saint-Étienne “Bob Marley” jersey (2022)

This jersey, made in collaboration with Bob Marley's family, was criticized by some supporters who saw it as a commercial exploitation of the singer's image and a disconnect with the history of the club.

The impact of controversial jerseys

These controversial jerseys have had a varying impact on clubs, supporters and the world of football in general.

Commercial impact: boosted sales or boycott ?

Some controversial jerseys have achieved commercial success, boosting sales thanks to their unique and daring character. Others, however, were boycotted by supporters, causing financial losses for the clubs.

Evolution of mentalities: towards greater freedom of expression ?

These jerseys also helped to change attitudes about football jerseys. They opened the debate on the place of the jersey as a medium of expression and on the freedom of clubs to explore new designs and new collaborations.

Marketing strategy: getting people talking about the club

In some cases, controversy can be used as a marketing strategy to spread the word about the club and generate visibility. This strategy can be effective in the short term, but it can also backfire on the club if the controversy is seen as manipulation or a lack of respect for fans.

Controversial jerseys are an integral part of football history. They illustrate the complexity of the links between sport, commerce and identity. They invite us to think about the place of the football jersey and its role in society.

In conclusion, controversial football jerseys shed light on the important place this item of clothing occupies in the world of sport. Beyond its utilitarian function, the jersey is a symbol of identity, a medium of expression and a marketing object.

Key points covered:

  • The different categories of controversies surrounding football jerseys.

  • The commercial impact, the evolution of mentalities and the strategic use of controversy.

  • A selection of cult and controversial jerseys that have marked the history of football.

The future of football jerseys:

What will be the next trends in swimsuit design? How will clubs find the balance between tradition and innovation? Will the place of the jersey in football culture continue to evolve ?

Question to readers:

What do you think is the most controversial football shirt in history? For what ?

Share your thoughts and anecdotes in the comments !