AFC Rebrands All Major National Team And Club Competitions
Jan 5, 2021, by Chris
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday launched brand-new logomarks and visual identities for its major national team tournaments - the AFC Asian Qualifiers, AFC Asian Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, AFC U23 Asian Cup, the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.
AFC 2021 Logos
The new AFC 2021 logos boast modern looks, more flat looks than previously while keeping the main elements of the previous logos. The colors have been also refreshed for a more modern look.
New Era. New Look.#ACL2021 pic.twitter.com/VZLypzHALc
— #ACL2021 (@TheAFCCL) January 4, 2021
The rebranding was made together with Football Marketing Asia over a 15-month period
The rebranding was managed together with the AFC’s exclusive commercial partner FMA over a 15-month period.
AFC Champions League New 2021 Logo
AFC Asian Cup New 2021 Logo
Inspired by football stadiums and the colours Asia’s national teams wear proudly, the dynamic visual arrangement for AFC national team competitions embraces the very places where Asia’s champions are crowned and fans support the Continent’s best national teams and biggest heroes.
New Era. New Look.#AFCCup2021 pic.twitter.com/FGpmqJnCY0
— #AFCCup2021 (@AFCCup) January 4, 2021
To create an unmistakable connection between the competitions, the AFC Asian Cup, AFC Women’s Asian Cup and AFC U23 Asian Cup logomarks share the same fundamental elements and now proudly feature the tournaments’ distinctive trophies.
New Era. New Look.#AsianCup2023 #AsianQualifiers pic.twitter.com/6QBJ5bKYjm
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 4, 2021
These new logomarks will be adapted in respect of each competition, to reflect local elements of the host Member Association. A dedicated logomark was also introduced for the AFC Asian Qualifiers.
The AFC strives to make its competitions even more relevant
Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC President, said: “We are delighted to start the new year with all-new AFC national team and club competition brands. The AFC strives to make its competitions even more relevant for its diverse fanbase while showcasing their unique reputation as Asia’s most popular football events. I am convinced the new visual identities will resonate strongly across Asia and worldwide, and I am looking forward to the new look and feel across social media and TV broadcast.”
Patrick Murphy, Board Member and CEO at FMA, commented: “Today is an important day from various perspectives: fans of Asian football can enjoy and experience the new AFC competition brands, while sponsors and broadcast partners, as well as clubs and Member Associations will start to actively use the exciting new visual identities to promote AFC competitions to their audiences. A proud moment and a major milestone as we are moving into a new era of Asian football.”
What do you think of the new visual identity of the competitions of the AFC? Comment below.
Japan U20 Debuts All-White Away Kit Variant
The all-white variation of Japan's away kit made its official debut during Japan U20's dominant 8-0 victory over Cambodia U20 in the U20 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Previously, Japan premiered the original ensemble (black shorts and white socks) in a friendly match against Scotland, followed by an all-black shorts and socks variant during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash with Brazil.
Leicester City 26-27 Away Retro Collection Released
Expanding on their retro-inspired aesthetic for the season, Leicester City and Adidas have officially dropped a new lifestyle apparel collection under the Adidas Originals banner. Following the popular launch of their Trefoil away shirt earlier this summer, the latest range focuses on timeless club heritage infused with classic Three Stripes street style.
The standout piece of the collection is a royal blue long-sleeve jersey adorned with an intricate all-over diagonal jacquard pattern. Much like the 26-27 away kit, the piece prominently features the iconic Adidas Trefoil alongside Leicester's nostalgic 'Running Fox' crest, which famously adorned the club's shirts until 1992. Matching royal blue three stripes run down the shoulders and sleeves to complete the vintage look.
Alongside the long-sleeve shirt, the collection includes an archival blue t-shirt with a bold white chest stripe, classic track jackets, hoodies, and matching track pants. The full Leicester City x Adidas Originals range is available now at the club's official online store and the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
QPR to Wear Blackout Third Kit at Home
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will step away from their traditional blue and white hoops for their upcoming home fixture, wearing their 26-27 blackout third kit instead when they host Middlesbrough. The club stated that the team will sport the alternative strip at home for one match only.
The one-off switch is tied to a community initiative organized in partnership with principal shirt sponsor MrQ and charity partner KitAid. Under the campaign, supporters attending the match are encouraged to trade in their old football shirts in exchange for a complimentary blackout shirt, with the donated kits distributed to disadvantaged communities across the globe.
Crafted by Italian brand Erreà, the stealthy 26-27 third strip features tonal dark hoops accompanied by subdued, murdered-out club crest and sponsor details.