Athletic Bilbao Kit History - 1911 - 2018
Today, we are able to present you with a very interesting piece of history: a time travel through the important stages of Athletic Bilbao's kit evolution. Thanks to Athletic Bilbao for providing the pictures and background info.
Athletic Bilbao's iconic red & white stripes design remains mostly untouched at its core up until now. Interestingly, Athletic Bilbao only started advertising on their jersey in the 2008/09 season, when Petronor was introduced.
1911 - 1920: Diversity
In the early years after the foundation of the club in 1898, it was the player's task to choose their own style, which resulted in some players wearing regular collars, opposing to others choosing V-necks with cords.
1920 - 1970: Evolution to a Polo shirt
As observed in fashion industry, Athletic Bilbao underwent some changes considering the use of collars and buttons. The buttons disappeared in 1967, but the collars and the V shape remained.
1970 - 1980: Towards a modern design
The season 1970/71 was crucial within Athletic Bilbao's kit history as it marked the progress to a white round neck. It is the first step towards a modern design out of which international brands grew, specifically keen on manufacturing exclusive branded kits for each team.
1981 - Present: Era of Sports Brands
In the 1981/82 season, Athletic Club's kits featured the adidas logo for the first time ever and this marked the commercialization of kits as we know them today.
Since 2007, Athletic Club receives a new set of kits each year, while brands started to begin differentiating away & third kits as well as making special-edition kits. Nevertheless, the club also profited heavily in financial terms from agreeing sponsorship deals.
Do you like that Athletic Bilbao is giving a look behind the curtain with this unique kit history? How would your perfect football kit look like? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1993/94 Yokohoma Marinos Tracksuit Bottoms (XL) Mizuno
2000/02 Netherlands Bergkamp #10 Home Shirt (M) Nike
2002 FC Tokyo Supporters Tee (L) Flets
2007/08 Chelsea #13 Third Shorts (XL) Adidas
2019/20 PSG GK Shirt (S) Nike
2010/11 Denmark *Player Issue* GK Shirt (XL) Adidas
2020/21 Club America *BNWT* Home Shirt (Multiple Sizes) Nike
2003 Japan Adidas 'No Life Without Football' Leisure T-Shirt (S)
1998/99 Atletico Madrid Away Socks (Multiple Sizes) Reebok
2014/15 Netherlands Sneijder #10 Home Shirt (M) Nike
Gillingham FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Gillingham FC's 2026-27 home shirt was revealed today. The design centers on the club's traditional royal blue with a subtle tonal wave pattern integrated across the chest and torso for added texture that remains understated from a distance. White trim accents the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the front features the MEMS Power Generation sponsor logo in white lettering.
MLS Players Wear Their National Flags on Kits Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Major League Soccer last weekend hosted a dedicated "Farewell Week" to send off its international stars. To mark the occasion, all clubs across the domestic league took to the pitch wearing specially customized kits that honored the various nations represented within their squads.
The most prominent visual update to the MLS uniforms was the addition of official national flags printed directly on the chest for all players and coaching staff. In a highly thoughtful and personalized touch, the league provided specialized double-flag variations for athletes holding dual citizenship. This bespoke detail allowed these specific players to proudly represent both their current homelands and their heritage simultaneously before joining their respective national team camps.
Beyond the chest graphics, teams also sported a unique set of squad numbers on the back of their shirts, featuring a custom pattern made up of the flags of all 48 countries participating in this summer's World Cup.
What do you think of this customized flag concept for the MLS World Cup Farewell Week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
