Arsenal, Premier League, Shirts
Which Football Teams Wear Red and White Football Shirts?
Jun
Red and white football shirts are among the most classic and popular kits in football. Many famous teams have chosen these colors for their home or away shirts. Today, we will explore some of these teams, when they adopted red and white, and why they chose these colors. This helps us understand the history and meaning behind these classic kits.
Arsenal shirts: From Deep Red to Iconic Red and White
Arsenal’s red and white kit has an interesting story. The club originally wore deep red shirts with white shorts and black socks when they were called Dial Square in 1886. One popular story says Arsenal borrowed shirts from Nottingham Forest players who joined the club. This was a cost-saving move because the club had little money.
The white sleeves came much later. In 1933, manager Herbert Chapman was inspired by seeing a red sleeveless shirt. He decided to add white sleeves to the red shirt to help players recognize each other better on the pitch. This change became a revolutionary design and a symbol of Arsenal’s identity.
Liverpool football shirts: The Power of All Red
Liverpool switched to red shirts in 1896, but their famous all-red kit came in 1964. Manager Bill Shankly believed red gave players a psychological edge. He said red meant danger and power, making players look “awesome” and “terrifying.” The all-red kit first appeared in a European Cup match, and Liverpool won 3-0. Since then, the all-red look has symbolized strength and pride.
Liverpool Home Shirt 2025/26
Athletic Bilbao shirts: A Gift from England and Local Pride
Athletic Bilbao started wearing red and white stripes around 1910. The story goes that player Juan Elorduy brought red and white shirts from Southampton during a trip to England. These colors matched Bilbao’s city flag, so the club adopted them.
The red and white stripes symbolize the club’s Basque heritage and local pride. The kit reflects a strong connection between the city and the team.
Athletic Bilbao Home Shirt 2024/25
Southampton shirts: Inspired by Stoke-on-Trent
Southampton began wearing red and white stripes in 1896. Their colors were inspired by players from Stoke-on-Trent who wore similar kits. Southampton’s red and white stripes represent their connection to English football history.
The bold stripes also show the club’s fighting spirit and local pride.
Stoke City: One of the Oldest Red and White Teams
Stoke City has worn red and white stripes since 1883, making them one of the earliest adopters. The thick stripes symbolize passion and tradition in English football. Stoke’s kit is a proud emblem of their long history.
Atletico Madrid shirts: Spanish Red and White Pride
Atletico Madrid started wearing red and white stripes in the early 1900s. These colors symbolize strength and passion in Spain’s La Liga. The stripes give Atletico a fierce and dynamic look.
Red and white also connect Atletico to Madrid’s city traditions and energy.
Ajax shirts: The Bold Red Stripe
Ajax’s kit features a white shirt with a bold red stripe down the center. This design started around 1911. The red stripe symbolizes power and pride, while white stands for purity.
Ajax 125th anniversary Shirt 2025 Full Sleeves
Ajax’s red and white colors reflect their Dutch heritage and unique style.
River Plate shirts: The Elegant Red Sash
River Plate’s famous white shirt with a red diagonal sash dates back to 1901. The red sash symbolizes passion and pride. This elegant design is a key part of River Plate’s identity in Argentina.
River Plate Home Shirt 2024/25
Sheffield United shirts: Traditional Red and White Stripes
Sheffield United adopted red and white stripes in the late 1800s. The colors represent local pride and history. Their kit shows strength and unity.
Standard Liege shirts: Belgian Red and White Tradition
Standard Liege has worn red and white shirts since the early 1900s. These colors represent the club’s tradition and passion in Belgium. The kit is a symbol of their football culture.
Why Do Teams Choose Red and White?
Red is a color full of energy and passion. It symbolizes power, aggression, and danger on the pitch. White balances red with purity and unity. Together, red and white create a striking and memorable look.
Many teams choose red and white because these colors stand out. They send a message of strength and tradition. Red and white kits connect fans to their club’s history and spirit.
Final Thoughts on Red and White Football Shirts
Red and white football shirts have a rich history. They tell stories of pride, passion, and identity. Next time you watch a match, notice how these colors bring energy and meaning to the game.
