How Football Jerseys Became an Iconic Element of the Game

Football is a game where players create iconic moments that last forever. One of the ways that fans remember these stars is through their jerseys. Whether it’s the national team or their club, each player leaves an impression in the viewer’s minds when they wear their team’s colours. 

The journey of the football jersey is a testament to the evolution of the game, reflecting changes in technology, culture, and commerce. In the past, it used to be a makeshift outfit. However, we’ve come a long way with the development of technology and the garment industry. 

Join us as we unravel the story of the evolution of football kits as they transcended from being a utility to an emblem of the players and their achievements.  

First Jersey Numbers

Some jersey numbers today are associated with the best players on a team. For example, ‘10’ will always be associated with Messi or Neymar. But this didn’t use to be the case in the past. 

But if we look at football jersey history, when jersey numbers were first introduced, they were meant to designate a player’s position on the field. So, the goalkeeper would always get number 1, and all the other players would get the subsequent ones. And even back then, referees had separate jerseys, too. 

Now, the system has changed drastically, but there are still rules in place that are enforced by authorities by FIFA and UEFA. 

This numbering system also made it easier for spectators to enjoy the game and keep track of the players. This is because it is easy to identify them on the pitch by their jersey numbers when they score a goal. It’s also the same when they get a red/yellow card.

Title Sponsors

If you look at modern jerseys of football players, you will notice that often, it’s full of branding from other companies. These title sponsors secure a spot on the player’s kit to get more exposure for their organizations.

But this is reserved only for club kits. National teams get funding from their respective national football associations. But clubs, on the other hand, rely on these sponsorships as a source of their revenue. 

The title sponsors’ money is not just for paying the bills of the team; it’s also for investing in other players and scouting new talents. If clubs intend to keep up with the competition, they must get strong athletes to join their teams. And for that, they need a lot of money which they have access to thanks to the different sponsors. 

How Do Sponsors Make Money on Uniforms

Now, it must have occurred to you, what’s in it for the sponsors? Do they make money off the uniforms, and if so, how? Let’s take a closer look at that. 

Global Exposure

While sponsors make money off their investment, it’s not as direct as you think. Instead of financial gains, these companies get global exposure thanks to the popularity of the football teams. 

Millions of fans tune in to watch the matches of their favorite clubs. Consider this number by combining the stadium attendance and the viewers at home. Being exposed to these millions of potential customers is one of the most effective marketing strategies there is. 

And it’s not just during the matches. Players are also bound by contract to wear their V-necks during press conferences and training. Anytime an image or a video of footballers appears on the Internet, the title sponsor logo is displayed front and center for everyone to see. 

Licensing Agreements

As teams use the logo of their sponsors in exchange for money, they, in turn, can use the team’s logo for their own needs. Anytime they create new posts on social media or launch a TV ad, they have the complete right to make use of the logo. 

But what’s the benefit of this? Viewers who see these posts or advertisements might not be familiar with the sponsoring company. But fans will recognize their favorite team’s logo from afar. This makes them compelled to take a second look. 

And just from this alone, the sponsors can convert hundreds of thousands of unified fans into devoted customers. This generates more revenue for them and is one of the main ways they can make money off the jerseys. 

Merchandise Sales

One of the most popular ways that fans show off their support for their clubs is through wearing their favorite player’s jersey. Millions of dollars are earned every year from these sales alone. The sponsor’s logo is also on the replica fan kits, so they receive a portion of the sale. 

Even if they receive a cut of the sales, it’s not much. You’d be right if we’re talking about a single jersey. But think about the number of sales before and after every match. 

Classic football shirts are also popular among the fans. When you consider the total sales, the final number is enormous. 

Football Jerseys Nowadays

Now, let’s talk about the contemporary evolution of football jerseys. Thanks to the latest technology, the jerseys are made with high-quality fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. They’re made to better absorb moisture from the sweat without causing any discomfort for the players. 

It’s also important to remember that each player’s kit is tailor-made for them. So, it allows them to enjoy the full range of motion without getting in the way. A wrong jersey can affect the results in more ways than you could imagine.

When there’s a new kit design in development, they try to enhance the aerodynamics to reduce air drag, especially around the collar. A player can run at full speed without facing much air resistance. 

Conclusion

Over time, football jersey evolution has taken it from being a simple t-shirt to an essential part of the game. It doesn’t just serve a symbolic purpose but also helps the player perform at their best. We’re excited to see what new changes and improvements come into existence in the coming years. If you want to learn more about football and the main sporting events of December, we recommend reading the article top football events in December.

FAQ

Are New Jerseys Made Before Every Match?

No, a football club usually starts with a new set of jerseys in bulk at the start of the season. They can also be reused as they’re made to be durable and withstand a lot of wear and tear that may occur through regular play or practices. 

Do Club Jerseys Have a Single Sponsor?

No, club jerseys can have multiple sponsors on them. The number of logos allowed to be displayed depends on the team. But these are classified into two main types: the title sponsor and the secondary sponsors.