THE HISTORY OF BARCELONA’S ICONIC “BLAUGRANA”
SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2023
The history of Barcelona's home kit is a journey through time, style, and tradition. As one of the most iconic and beloved football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona's home kit has a rich history that dates back to the club's founding in 1899.
The earliest kits of FC Barcelona were far removed from the familiar blue and red stripes that we associate with the team today. In fact, the club's original colors were not even blue and red, but rather blue and white. It wasn't until 1900, a year after the club's establishment, that they adopted the iconic red and blue stripes. This change was inspired by the founder of the club, Joan Gamper, who was a Swiss national and had connections to FC Basel. The blue and red stripes, known as "blaugrana," were a nod to FC Basel's colors.
The first "blaugrana" kit featured vertical stripes, but in 1910, the design was changed to horizontal stripes. This classic design has remained largely consistent over the years, with minor variations in stripe width and pattern. The stripes have become synonymous with Barcelona's identity and are instantly recognizable to football fans around the world.
Barcelona's home kit has also seen its share of changes in terms of the club's crest and sponsors. The original crest, featuring the letters "FCB," evolved over the years, and today, it proudly displays the initials "FCB" intertwined with the St. George's Cross and a soccer ball. As for sponsors, Barcelona's shirts have featured a variety of brands over time, including the Qatar Foundation and Rakuten. However, the club's commitment to UNICEF is particularly notable. From 2006 to 2011, Barcelona donated its shirt sponsorship space to UNICEF, a gesture that highlighted the club's commitment to social responsibility.
In recent years, Barcelona's home kit has continued to evolve, with manufacturers like Nike providing innovative designs and materials for both players and fans. While the core elements of the "blaugrana" stripes remain, the modern kits have incorporated performance-enhancing features and stylish details, making them highly sought after by fans and collectors.
The history of Barcelona's home kit is not just about fashion and branding; it's about tradition, identity, and a deep connection to the club's roots. The red and blue stripes, the crest, and the values they represent are symbols of a football club that transcends borders and speaks to the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
As Barcelona continues to make history on the pitch, their iconic home kit remains a timeless representation of the club's enduring legacy and the passion it instills in its supporters. Whether you're watching from the Camp Nou or cheering from afar, the sight of those blaugrana stripes is a reminder of the rich history and bright future of FC Barcelona.
